Legendary India opening batsman Virender Sehwag has been named as the captain and the team director of the Gemini Arabians franchise of Masters Champions League (MCL) 2020.
The jersey for the team was unveiled on Monday in front of an array of cricketing stars who will be a part of the Gemini Arabians in MCL 2020.
"We are extremely pleased to announce Mr. Virender Sehwag as our Captain and Team Director. He has been a cricketer par excellence and we are sure his experience and knowledge of the game will see us through to victory," Team patron Medha Ahluwalia told mediapersons after naming Sehwag as the franchises director and skipper.
"There has been an overwhelming demand across social media networks to make him the captain and we felt obliged to listen to our fans."
Sehwag will have the likes of Saqlain Mushtaq, Richard Levi, Paul Harris, Jacques Rudolph, Graham Onions, Saqib Ali, Kumar Sangakkara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Brad Hodge, Justin Kemp, Muttiah Muralitharan, Kyle Mills, Rana Naved ul-Hassan and Ashish Bagai on his side. That looks quite a formidable side on papers but this is a weird game as the tides can turn any moment.
Gemini Arabians will face Libra Legends in the opening game of the MCL 2020 at the Dubai International Stadium on 28 January. The tournament features four other teams other than the Arabians and the Legends -- Sagittarius Soldiers, Virgo Super Kings, Capricorn Commanders and Leo Lions.
Almost 250 players, who have retired from the game, were up for sale in the auction in December last year. The final of the tournament will played on 13 February at the same venue as the opening match.
"All the cricketers have shown great enthusiasm and excitement in order to make this event a success. We look forward to translate this passion on to the field and produce exciting cricket at the upcoming MCL," team owner and CEO of Gemini Arabians Nalin Khaitan told reporters on Monday.
