Former Proteas batsman Hashim Amla will captain the Karnataka Tuskers in the 2019 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 next month.

Amla, who retired from international cricket after the World Cup in the United Kingdom earlier this year, has been named as the Tusker’s icon player. The squad also features West Indian duo Marlon Samuels and Evin Lewis.

‘I am really exicted. It will be the first time I’ve played T10 cricket. I am glad to join the Tuskers team. With this type of format, it seems like cricket is going shorter and shorter,’ said Amla.

‘I was very fortunate to have played Test, ODI and T20I cricket. The stadium in Abu Dhabi is fantastic. The crowd always give you a great reception.

‘We have a good team. There are not too many big names in it, which can be a good thing. Dot balls are a crime, almost, in this league.’

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South Africa’s Hardus Viljoen was the leading wicket-taker in the 2018 Abu Dhabi T10, with 18 for the Nothern Warriors. The Warriors are the reigning champions.

‘I followed some of the scores last year and I saw some crazy scores. Hopefully the wickets will be flat again,’ added Amla.

The Bangla Tigers squad, meanwhile, features South African trio Robbie Frylinck, Colin Ingram and Rilee Rossouw.