The excitement for the third season of the ILT20 is building, and we couldn't be more thrilled to see what lies ahead. After two successful seasons, the Gulf Giants are aiming for a third consecutive strong performance. With a title win in the inaugural season and a playoff appearance in the second, we have laid the foundation for another championship-winning squad. The team is packed with talent and experience, and we believe we have built a side capable of going all the way again.

Let’s delve into the core of our squad—the batting line-up. The team’s batting strength is undeniable, with a diverse mix of powerful hitters, consistent performers, and emerging stars. We have a strong core of players like James Vince, Adam Lyth, Ibrahim Zadran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jamie Smith, and Jordan Cox. Additionally, we are lucky to have versatile talents such as Dipendra Singh Airee and Gerhard Erasmus, further reinforcing our batting depth. Together, this line-up makes us a formidable unit with the ability to take on any challenge.

Starting with our captain, James Vince, the man who has led us through thick and thin. Vince has been one of our standout performers, both as a leader and a batsman. He was instrumental in our first season's success, scoring 439 runs and finishing as the second-highest run-scorer. His leadership skills were key to our title victory. In the second season, he continued his dominant form, emerging as the highest run-scorer with 356 runs. Vince’s consistency is remarkable—across his T20 career, he has scored 11,158 runs at an average of 31.97, firmly establishing himself as one of the top batsmen in the T20 format.

One of our biggest assets is Shimron Hetmyer, a powerful and reliable finisher. Hetmyer’s ability to step up when needed most has been invaluable. In the first season, he played a crucial role in our title win, scoring an unbeaten 25 off just 13 balls in the final, securing the victory. Overall, Hetmyer has accumulated 485 runs in the ILT20, with 257 of those coming in the inaugural season. His experience and ability to handle pressure make him an indispensable part of our squad.

Another key figure in our batting line-up is Adam Lyth, a destructive opener who has been a consistent performer throughout his career. Lyth has featured in 206 T20s and scored 4,771 runs, with a career-best score of 161 runs from just 73 balls against Northamptonshire in 2017. His ability to score quickly, coupled with his solid technique, adds a layer of versatility to our team. In 2022, Lyth scored 824 runs in the white-ball format at an impressive strike rate of over 170. His explosive style makes him a constant threat at the top of the order.

We are also proud to have Ibrahim Zadran, one of Afghanistan’s brightest batting talents. Zadran has already shown his mettle in the international arena, having scored 1,105 runs in 44 T20Is, with a career-high score of 72*. In T20 cricket, Zadran has accumulated 2,590 runs at an average of 32.78, with a highest score of 101*. His consistency, combined with his ability to anchor innings, makes him a vital player for us in the middle order.

Jamie Smith is another rising star in our squad. Over the past year, Smith has made tremendous strides, making his international debut and establishing himself as a dependable player. In his brief Test career, he has already scored 637 runs in 9 games, including 1 century and 4 fifties. In the ILT20, Smith scored 161 runs in 12 games last season and will be looking to build on that performance in the upcoming season. His growth as a cricketer indicates that he has the potential to become a key player for us.

Jordan Cox, a young player with immense promise, has also been a standout performer. He scored 215 runs last season and has accumulated 2,615 runs in T20s. Cox’s ability to adapt to different match situations and his maturity at the crease make him an exciting prospect for the team.

In addition to these stalwarts, we also have players like Dipendra Singh Airee and Gerhard Erasmus, who bring depth and balance to our batting. Airee is a hard-hitting all-rounder, famously hitting 6 sixes in an over in T20Is, and he displayed his aggressive batting in the 2023 Asian Games, where he scored a blistering 9-ball fifty against Mongolia. Erasmus, a reliable middle-order batsman, is known for his composure and consistency.

Tim David has been added to our list of explosive batters. Renowned as one of the hardest hitters in T20 cricket, he is a key player, especially in the death overs. With 4,909 runs in 258 T20 matches at an impressive strike rate of 159.74, he is a force to reckon with. His highest score of 92* highlights his ability to dominate bowlers and deliver under pressure.

With a batting line-up brimming with quality and depth, the Gulf Giants are poised to deliver thrilling performances in the upcoming ILT20 season. Our squad combines experience, power, consistency, and flair, making us one of the most exciting teams to watch. We are confident that this group has what it takes to claim the title once again. Bring on the third season—we’re ready to make it our best yet!