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The last few years have seen the emergence of newer versions of the shorter format of the game. With T20 cricket gaining prominence and nations having their own tournaments, the focus is now apparently shifting to even shorter formats of the game. After T10, The Hundred, Emirates Cricket Board has now approved a new format – Ninety-90 Bash. This new format will be a 90-ball franchise-based tournament, which will be played in UAE in 2022. The Ninety-90 Bash was formally launched in the presence of ECB Chairman Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
Who came up with the idea of this tournament?
Abdul Rehman Bukhatir, chairman of the Bukhatir Group, one of the largest business houses in UAE, is the man behind this initiative. “This new exciting format could be instrumental in creating a brand new fan base for the sport, not just in the UAE, but across the globe,” Bukhatir mentioned.
His son Khalaf Bukhatir, who is also a part of this initiative, co-owns Pakistan Super League franchise Karachi Kings along with Salman Iqbal. Iqbal further feels that this new format of the game will make every contest sharp, edgy and action-packed.
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"The 90/90 is such a fresh take that is sure to make an indelible mark on the minds of fans and followers everywhere. After several other adjustments already in the market, this is probably the most attractive deviation of the modern game, especially, with the notion that T10 is too short for a real cricketing strategy to be showcased," Iqbal added.