Yuvraj Singh to represent Maratha Arabians in Abu Dhabi T10

Former Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh was on Thursday named Maratha Arabians' icon player for upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, which will be his second appearance in a franchise-based competition since taking international retirement in June.  event, beginning vember 14, has approval of International Cricket Council (ICC).

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Yuvraj's desire to play franchise cricket

Yuvraj played starring roles for India in ir title-winning squs at 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup. One of reasons Yuvraj retired was that he wanted to play in leagues around world and have "some fun". At moment, BCCI doesn't allow an active cricketer to take part in a foreign league.Following his retirement, 37-year-old h captained Toronto Nationals in Global T20 Cana in July-August. Yuvraj is latest signing by Maratha Arabians after y recently named former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower as ir he coach. Flower was also he coach of England national team.

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Yuvraj on maiden T10 stint

Speaking about his maiden T10 stint, Yuvraj said, "It is an exciting new format to be part of. I am looking forward to joining forces with some of world's biggest names in this league and representing team Maratha Arabians."

Former West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo will continue to le franchise like in previous edition. franchise also named ir or retentions for season including Sri Lankan T20I captain Lasith Malinga, apart from Afghanistan duo of Hazratullah Zazai and Najeebullah Zran. Australia's power-hitting batsman Chris Lynn was named icon player of franchise. 

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'Are domestic competitions t important?

Yuvraj took to Twitter to express his disappointment after Punjab were kcked out in quarter-finals against Tamil Nu after match got abandoned due to rain in Bengaluru. It bears ting that Yuvraj hails from Punjab itself and h led team in domestic cricket over years. Punjab were in control of game, after having restricted Tamil Nu to 174 in a game reduced to 39 overs per side. Punjab h mustered 52/2 in 12.2 overs before game was called off due to rains. Yuvraj Singh criticised BCCI for t having reserve days for domestic tournament.

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(With PTI inputs)