Fazalhaq Farooqi outlines his goal for the DP World ILT20 Season 3

One of the main architects of MI Emirates' championship effort in the previous DP World ILT20, Afghanistan's international pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi (43 T20Is, 54 wickets) is set to have another outstanding season at the DP World ILT20 Season 3.

Farooqi demonstrated his class on the big stage last season by taking 17 wickets in only eight games. He is now concentrating on helping the MI Emirates retain their title in one of the most difficult T20 leagues in the world.

The left-arm pacer, who has quickly established himself as a cunning death-bowler, emphasized the team's resolve as they looked forward to the DP World ILT20 Season 3. "A champion's responsibility is to defend their crown, and everyone is aware that MI Emirates won the championship the previous season. "This season, we want to make sure that we win the championship again," he stated.

The league phase of the previous season's DP World ILT20 saw an exciting race between the teams. With only net run rate separating them, the top two teams were tied at 12 points, while the third and fourth-place teams were tied at 10. The 24-year-old reiterated that there was very little room for error in the competition, saying, "The competition naturally becomes very tough with eight to nine international players in each team." Since the world's top players compete here, the level of competition is extremely high.

He went on to say that the intense competition is good for players' growth, saying, "If a player does well in such difficult situations, it's a huge boost to their confidence." It enables them to advance and raise their level of play.

Fazalhaq Farooqi also finished with 17 wickets at an economy rate of 7.66, but Waqar Salamkheil, a colleague of MI Emirates, took home the White Belt (best bowler) trophy for his 17 wickets.

"Last season was fantastic for me, and my aim this season is to perform at the same level," Farooqi stated, expressing his optimism about repeating his achievement in the DP World ILT20 Season 3. I want to give as much as I can and make good use of my abilities. My objective is to lead the squad to victory, win the White Belt, and put on excellent performances all season long.

"I can say this is almost the best league in the world as some of the best players in the world compete here," Farooqi said, praising his teammates Muhammad Waseem, who won the Blue Belt – Best UAE Player for a second straight season, and fast bowler Muhammad Rohid as examples of UAE players who have excelled at the DP World ILT20. A player from the United Arab Emirates has a great opportunity to compete and perform in such a top-tier setting. It is a tremendous accomplishment for players to perform under such difficult circumstances. Muhammad Rohid and Muhammad Waseem are two instances of this. I believe that UAE cricket players are getting much better as a result of the DP World ILT20.

Farooqi emphasized the importance of the fans' presence when discussing their part. "I implore all MI Emirates supporters to show up and give the team their full support. We greatly benefit from your support," he said.

On Monday, January 13 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, the MI Emirates will meet the Dubai Capitals in a replay of the Season 2 final in the opening game of the DP World ILT20 Season 3.
T20 greats like Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz Wildcard Pick in Season 2), Akeal Hossein (MI Emirates), Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), Andre Russell (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), David Warner (Dubai Capitals), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), and Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants) have all been retained by the six DP World ILT20 franchises.

Jason Roy, the legendary white-ball player for England (Sharjah Warriorz), is back in the league after playing twice for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders the previous season. The addition of England all-rounder Gus Atkinson, who will also be playing 10 games for Desert Vipers in the first season of the DP World ILT20, has further strengthened the Sharjah Warriorz.

Jason Holder, an all-around player who played for the Dubai Capitals the previous season, will play for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

Additionally, Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriorz), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants) and Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates) are set to make their DP World ILT20 debuts in Season 3.

The third season of the DP World ILT20 will run from 11 January to 9 February 2025.