US Masters T10 leaves an indelible mark with a great final, intense matches, and a celebrity tie. Over to Abu Dhabi T10 from November 28 to December 9

By K.R. Nayar 

When the T10 League was first hosted in Sharjah in 2017, there were doubts whether cricket fans would embrace such a short format. However, over the years, cricket fans have enjoyed it so much that every edition, including the last one held in Abu Dhabi in 2022, was well received. This format, conceived by Shaji Ul Mulk, quickly gained popularity and has now spread to nations like Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and now the distant United States of America.

 

This format has always managed to silence the skeptics. Many wondered if it would succeed in the US where cricket has barely any fan following. But after this tournament, it is clear that the audience has been captivated with its action and compelled them to watch on the edge of their seats. Additionally, a celebrity match featuring film stars, who are known to keep their fans engaged with thrillers, was also held.

 

Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of T10 Sports Management

The T10 Global team, led by Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of T10 Sports Management, faced off against the Samp Group led by Ritesh Patel, CEO of Samp Group and the main organizer of the American edition of the US Masters T10. Samp Group emerged winners in this exhibition match by successfully chasing the 52-run target set by T Ten Global.

 

Commenting on the celebrity clash, Shaji Ul Mulk claimed that the exhibition match would attract a lot of fans in the USA. He stated, “Before we wrap up this season, we want to inject an element of fun for our fans, as we aim for the audience to truly enjoy themselves.”

 

Sunil Shetty in action 

The enjoyment of the US Masters T10 was not limited to film stars; everyone who participated in the event experienced a sense of delight. Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa believes that this format is here to stay. He said, “I think T10 is here to stay. This version of the game is highly entertaining for viewers. Moreover, it introduces a different aspect of cricket that can add significant value to T20 cricket. I do hope that this format gets introduced in India, allowing current cricketers to partake.”

 

Sohail Khan takes a run

Uthappa emphasized that players like Virat Kohli could enhance the format and encouraged more Indian players to embrace it. He expressed, “I would love to see players like Virat Kohli engage in this version of the game. It would add immense value. He's arguably one of the greatest ODI players we've witnessed, and this format could reveal new facets of his gameplay. This holds true for anyone who takes part. Indian players should certainly give it a try.”

 

Richard Levi, a standout performer in the US Masters T10, remarked, “In today's world, people are always seeking quick and concise entertainment. The 10-over format is a thing of beauty. It showcases excellent bowling, powerful sixes, and incredible diving efforts. Its future is undoubtedly promising.”

 

Irfan Pathan, known for securing the Player of the Match award multiple times in the US Masters T10, expressed, “Undoubtedly, it's an exciting format, but like anything new, it will require time to gain traction among contemporary players. Just like T20 cricket took its time to establish itself, T10 will also need time. However, there's no doubt that many new countries will embrace this format.”

 

Texas Chargers after winning the US Masters T10 beating New York Warriors through a Super Over finish 

Ashley Nurse believes that T10 will leave a mark in the West Indies. He noted, “In the Caribbean, where shorter formats are highly popular, T10 will surely find its place. Even non-cricket fans will come out to enjoy a drink and witness the entertainment.”

 

Tillakaratne Dilshan, the inventor of the Dilscoop shot, commented, “In this tournament, every game is tightly contested, with most matches going down to the last over. People crave entertainment and closely fought games, making this format an excellent choice for cricket enthusiasts.”

 

Rajeev Khanna,  Chief Operating Officer of T10 Sports Management

Rajeev Khanna, Chief Operating Officer of T10 Sports Management, had predicted that the US Masters T10 would culminate in a grand finale. He stated, “The US Masters T10 has initiated a fantastic journey, uniting cricket fans in the US and offering them a true carnival experience. The cricketing quality has been exceptional from the start, and a fitting finale awaits us.”

 

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir had also predicted that new shots would emerge due to the T10 format. He explained, “Many associate nations engage in white-ball cricket extensively. This exposure will likely lead to the development of innovative batting shots, a trend that was seen in T20 and is expected to continue in T10.”

More of T10 to follow 

Following the completion of the US Masters T10, the Abu Dhabi T10 Season 6 will be held from November 28th  to December 9, following which the next destination is Sri Lanka for Lanka T10 Season 1 from December 12-23, 2023.