MCL will spur cricket growth in UAE, says Smith

Dubai - He praised the facilities in the UAE. "It (infrastructure for cricket) is amazing here. I love playing here, I love coming and learning in Dubai," Smith enthused.

The presence of legends in the Masters Cricket League (MCL) will inspire the growth of cricket in the UAE, reckons former South African skipper Graeme Smith, who is one of the 12 marquee players.
"It is fantastic for me to be part of the development of the game here and it would be commendable of MCL to have played its part when we look 15-20 years down the line," Smith said in an interview with Khaleej Times on Monday even as there was a great amount of excitement surrounding the MCL debut in the UAE. 
The South African southpaw advised that the UAE should gradually develop culture of cricket in the country.  "Dubai never looked like this developed, it was built over the years, similarly you need to develop culture for the game of cricket and invest in talented people," he said. 

He praised the facilities in the UAE. "It (infrastructure for cricket) is amazing here. I love playing here, I love coming and learning in Dubai," Smith enthused. 
"We are all ambassadors for the game and we want to bring cricket to the region," he reiterated, adding at the same time that the players were keen to give people a real treat through this tournament for the retired international players. 
Smith, who has been picked by Virgo Super Kings as a marquee player for an undisclosed sum, assured that the MCL2020 was indeed a serious business. "Every team owner wants to win the tournament, every franchise wants to be successful," he added. 
"People who are investing in this product and spending money want their team to win," he explained. 
When asked about the seriousness of the tournament, Smith pointed out that all the players involved have had a proud career and "we want to perform."
The bidding process on Monday at the Grand Midwest Hotel justified Smith's argument that the MCL2020 was a serious business when owners and their teams attached great pride in picking players at the auction. 
"There's a huge pride at stake for the owners and all the players," Smith said and insisted that it was an officially sanctioned tournament.
The former skipper also believes that the tournament will give cricket fans in the UAE an opportunity to see their past heroes. "They would get to meet and get entertained by the guys they have looked up to for so many years." 
He promised that he would be as competitive as he used to be while playing for the South Africans for the fans buying tickets to watch him in the UAE. Smith agreed that the T20 is a different ball game but draws in people to the stadium. "It is entertaining and brings huge amount of income to the game. IPL, for example, it has been incredible for the game and MCL will follow suit."

• Masters Champions League