Dubai, Aug 12 (IANS) Gulf Giants on Wednesday signed South African stars David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen as the franchise picked players in pre-auction signings ahead of the ILT20 Season 5 in Dubai.
Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai and Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani will also return for the new season. The ILT20 Season 5 will be played from November 22 to December 20, 2026.
The quartet brings proven international quality across batting, pace bowling and the all-round department as Gulf Giants, the Adani Sportsline-owned franchise, pursue a second DP World ILT20 title, having won the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2023.
Speaking on the signings, Gulf Giants Head Coach Simon Helmot said, “We are delighted to welcome David and Heinrich to the Gulf Giants family while bringing back Azmatullah and Blessing. They are world-class players and proven match-winners who add tremendous quality and depth to our squad. We’ve built a strong foundation, and the Player Auction gives us another opportunity to complete our squad as we prepare for Season 5.”
One of world cricket’s most accomplished finishers, Miller brings a wealth of experience, having played 571 T20 matches and scored more than 12,000 runs across international and franchise cricket. He also played a pivotal role in the Gujarat Titans’ Indian Premier League (IPL) title-winning campaign in 2022.
Compatriot Klaasen arrives with an equally formidable reputation. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter has amassed more than 6,900 runs in 294 T20 matches and will make his DP World ILT20 debut in Season 5.
Omarzai impressed in his debut Gulf Giants campaign last season, scoring 233 runs and taking 12 wickets in 10 matches to earn his return for Season 5.
Muzarabani returns after missing last season through injury. Since joining Gulf Giants in 2023, the Zimbabwe pacer has claimed 22 wickets in 17 matches, including a team-leading 16 wickets in 10 matches during the 2024-25 campaign.
Gulf Giants will now turn their attention to the DP World ILT20 Season 5 Player Auction, which is scheduled to be held in October, as they complete their squad for the new season.
–IANS
bsk/
