The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) will introduce a Spirit of Cricket Award at the ILT20 Season 5, recognising a team or individual who best reflects the game’s values during the tournament, which begins in the UAE on November 21.
The award will be presented at the end of the competition on December 20, marking the first such recognition at the six-team T20 league. MCC, the guardian of cricket’s Laws, will work with the tournament organisers to promote sportsmanship and fair play among players.
The partnership is part of MCC’s wider effort to promote the Spirit of Cricket across the game. The Club has previously worked with ICC Europe to present similar awards at three men’s sub-regional World Cup qualification events earlier this year.
Rob Lynch, MCC’s Director of Cricket and Operations, said franchise leagues could play an important role in setting standards for player behaviour.
“MCC sees franchise leagues as the standard-bearers for playing the game in the right way – playing hard but playing fair and with a smile on your face,” Lynch said.
He added that the competitive nature of franchise cricket, where international team-mates often face each other, could help improve conduct across the sport.
Mike Fordham, Interim Chief Operating Officer of the ILT20, said the partnership aligned with the league’s emphasis on sporting values. He also pointed to the participation of players from 19 cricketing nations across its six franchises this season.
“The tournament has always been hugely competitive with top quality cricket on display. Our matches have always been played in the right spirit with cricket’s traditional sporting values remaining at the forefront,” Fordham said.
Season 5 will run from November 21 to December 20, with matches scheduled at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Defending champions Desert Vipers will be joined by Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriorz in the 34-match competition. Previous winners include Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals.
The new recognition will be separate from the main MCC Spirit of Cricket Award, established by MCC and the BBC in 2013 in honour of Christopher Martin-Jenkins.
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