Dwayne Bravo on DP World ILT20: "A Tournament Like This Will Only Make You Stronger"

Dwayne Bravo’s Coaching Journey in DP World ILT20 and Its Impact on UAE Cricket

West Indies cricket legend Dwayne Bravo, known for his match-winning performances and charismatic presence on the field, has now embraced a new challenge coaching. In the ongoing DP World ILT20 Season 3, Bravo is taking charge as the head coach of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, channeling his vast experience into guiding the next generation of cricketers. Having played a crucial role in MI Emirates’ title-winning campaign last season, the all-rounder now aims to make his mark off the field, helping Abu Dhabi Knight Riders push for a playoff spot.

With 19 wickets across two ILT20 seasons, Bravo is no stranger to the tournament. He expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “It’s been good. I’m familiar with the franchise, which definitely helps. I’ve also had a lot of success with them in the past, so that adds to the comfort.” For Bravo, coaching is more than just a job it’s a privilege. “It’s a great opportunity for me, and I feel privileged and honoured to take on this role with such a prestigious franchise. I just want to do my best off the field, help prepare the team well, and give it our best shot,” he added.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Struggle, But Still in the Hunt

Despite Bravo’s tactical expertise, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have endured a tough campaign so far, currently placed fifth on the points table with six points in eight matches. Their latest outing saw them suffer a four-wicket defeat to a resurgent Sharjah Warriorz. Reflecting on the loss, Bravo pinpointed key areas that need improvement.

“Yeah, we’re still in the running, but we need to be smarter, especially in key moments of the game. I think that’s what has cost us, not just in this match but in previous ones as well. It’s something we, as a group, definitely need to work on and rectify,” he explained. With just a few games left before the playoffs, Bravo remains hopeful that his squad can turn things around.

The upcoming match against Gulf Giants is a must-win for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders if they hope to keep their playoff aspirations alive. With the stakes higher than ever, Bravo will need to ensure that his team executes their strategies to perfection.

DP World ILT20: A Platform for UAE’s Rising Stars

Beyond his immediate focus on team performance, Bravo also highlighted the broader impact of DP World ILT20, particularly for UAE cricketers. He believes that the league serves as a crucial platform for local talent to compete at a high level and gain valuable exposure.

“I think a tournament like this will only make you stronger and give these guys more experience. They’ll learn a lot, grow as players, and, by extension, improve the national team. It’s something that happens for teams around the world just look at the West Indies, India, or the domestic leagues in Australia,” Bravo noted.

He singled out two standout performers from Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Alishan Sharafu and Ibrar Ahmad who have impressed with their skills and potential. “Alishan Sharafu is having a fantastic tournament and had a great season last year as well. With Ibrar, we see the talent he has in him. As long as we stick together as a group, I still believe we have a great chance to pull it off,” he added.

Looking Ahead: The Playoff Race Intensifies

As DP World ILT20 Season 3 nears its business end, the competition for playoff spots has intensified. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are not out of the race yet, but every match is now crucial. With Gulf Giants up next, Bravo’s side must regroup quickly and put in a strong performance to stay in contention.

For Bravo, this is not just another tournament it’s an opportunity to shape the future of UAE cricket. His experience, leadership, and belief in the ILT20’s growth continue to inspire both his players and the young cricketers watching from the stands. Whether or not Abu Dhabi Knight Riders make the playoffs, Bravo’s influence on the league and UAE cricket as a whole is undeniable.

As the tournament progresses, one thing is clear: DP World ILT20 is proving to be a game-changer for emerging cricketers, and with leaders like Dwayne Bravo at the helm, the future looks bright.