Former Proteas batsman Colin Ingram is looking forward to captaining Afghanistan side Boost Defenders during this week’s Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy in the United Arab Emirates.

The inaugural three-day tournament will also feature the Hobart Hurricanes from Australia’s Big Bash League, Lahore Qalandars from the Pakistan Super League, New Zealand’s Auckland Aces, South Africa’s Titans and England’s Yorkshire Vikings.

Boost Defenders have been pooled with the Titans and Auckland Aces – and boast the services of big-hitting West Indian Chris Gayle, among other stars from abroad.

‘We have a number of overseas guys, and there’s strength in there. Afghan cricket is on the up at the moment – and I am excited to see what their local guys can bring. Watching on television, I’m a bit of a fan, to be honest,’ Ingram told Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s official website.

‘They bring an excitement to the game. We are an unknown force, but Afghanistan have been doing steadily well over the last few years in international cricket, and I’m excited to see what the young guys can bring.’

Ingram played alongside Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who recently rose to the top of the International Cricket Council’s ODI rankings for all-rounders, for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.

‘Spending time with the son of Afghan cricket Rashid in Adelaide and listening to their journey and the challenges they’ve faced has been fascinating. This weekend will be a nice challenge for our boys,’ he added.

‘The Titans look strong, for example, but a win against them would boost our morale.’

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