Amidst the action coming in at breakneck speed for three weeks straight, it was nice to have this four day break to refresh, rejuvenate, and hit the ground running again. What’s interesting though, is that the MI Emirates side that will take the field on Thursday (February 8), will have a slightly new look to it with Nicholas Pooran, Akeal Hosein and Tim David having departed for national duty. In case you’re a little too engrossed in the ILT20 and haven’t been keeping up with the cricket in the rest of the world, and you’re wondering why these players need to depart, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are set to square off in a T20 series, as are Australia and West Indies. 

Having sealed a play-offs spot, what this means now is an opportunity for the rest of the squad players to have their moment under the sun and take us to our next immediate goal: finishing in the top two. We’ve said it a thousand times, but let’s say it again, every game has thrown up a new hero. Now’s the time and the opportunity for someone new to be unearthed. 

Our ledge, the MI #OneFamily superstar, Kieron Pollard is here. His exploits from the first season of ILT20 are still fresh in people’s heads, and he himself is coming in on the back of some good form in the SA20. It’s going to be a treat watching him light up the desert. 

What: Gulf Giants vs MI Emirates 
When: February 8, 2024 | 6:30pm local time, 8:00pm IST
Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
What to expect: The two games that MI Emirates have lost have both been in Dubai. It’s time to correct that as well and seal a top two spot.