Narine, Russell and Bairstow headline Abu Dhabi Knight Riders squad in ILT20

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) have announced the first 14 players of the team’s squad for the UAE International League T20 (ILT20) and the list is headlined by long-time servants of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Sunil Narine and Andre Russell and the explosive Jonny Bairstow, who represents Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League. The 14-man list released by the franchise also includes other notable international names such as Ireland’s Paul Stirling, Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka, West Indies’ Akeal Hosein and South Africa’s Colin Ingram. 

The announcement was made on Tuesday by CEO Venky Mysore, who expressed his delight in the expansion of the KKR franchise which already also owns the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

“Firstly it’s great to see that our global footprint continues to grow in line with our vision & strategy. KKR in IPL, TKR in CPL and now ADKR in the ILT20,” Mysore said.

Mysore welcomed the new signings and also claimed that it was terrific that the ADKR franchise was able to get hold of Narine and Russell, both of whom are icons of KKR.

“It’s also terrific that we have our mainstays – Sunil Narine and Andre Russell as part of ADKR. We are really delighted that Jonny Bairstow joins the Knight Riders family and will no doubt play a huge part in ADKR’s journey in ILT20. 

“We are also delighted that Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul, Ali Khan, Colin Ingram and Seekuge Prasanna, who have been part of Trinbago Knight Riders before, are also a part of ADKR.

“A big welcome to Paul Stirling, Charith Asalanka, Kennar Lewis, Lahiru Kumara, Raymon Reifer and Brandon Glover to the Knight Riders family,” Mysore added.

ADKR squad for 2023 ILT20

Sunil Narine (Trinidad & Tobago/West Indies)

Andre Russell (Jamaica/West Indies)

Jonny Bairstow (England)

Paul Stirling (Ireland)

Lahiru Kumara (Sri Lanka)

Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)

Colin Ingram (South Africa)

Akeal Hosein (Trinidad & Tobago/West Indies)

Seekkuge Prasanna (Sri Lanka)

Ravi Rampaul (Trinidad & Tobago/West Indies)

Raymon Reifer (Barbados/West Indies)

Kennar Lewis (Jamaica/West Indies)

Ali Khan (United States of America)

Brandon Glover (The Netherlands)