The International League T20 (ILT20) franchisees can now hire more players thanks to a recent change in the recruitment guidelines, and the Dubai Capitals took advantage of the opportunity to sign former India World Cup champions Rohin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan for the first season of the UAE's T20 league.
Pathan was a member of the squad due to the rule change, despite retiring from both domestic and international cricket in February 2021.
The ILT20 organisers amended the recruitment guidelines, expanding the squad size from 18 to 25 players as previously indicated, enabling the teams to add more players.
Thus, Robin Uthappa became the first Indian to sign for the T20 League in the UAE, joining Yusuf Pathan and Dubai Capitals. Uthappa has also retired from all facets of Indian cricket, similar to Pathan. Players under central and state contract with the BCCI are not permitted to participate in any international T20 Leagues.
On social media, the 42-year-old Pathan's signing was confirmed. Pathan was a member of the Indian teams that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.
"PATHAN POWER incoming at #DPWorldILT20. Here's welcoming the T20 legend Yusuf Pathan, who knows the art of hitting big sixes. Can't wait to get started," Dubai Capitals informed through their official Twitter handle.
After quitting international cricket and IPL in 2021, Pathan has been involved with the Legends League Cricket and finished the recently concluded 2022 edition as the second highest run-scorer. Representing the Bhilwara Kings, Pathan totalled 184 runs in 7 games at an average of 30.66, with the highest score of 48.
"I am elated to join the Dubai Capitals. I would like to thank GMR Group for believing in me. I am looking forward to an amazing ILT20 season where we will try our best to win the inaugural edition of this grand T20 League," Pathan said in a video released by Dubai Capitals on Twitter.