Rahul Dravid to star in Dubai

Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid will participate in the prestigious Emirates Airline Twenty20 Trophy in Dubai later this year.The former captain - who has retired from international cricket - will line up for the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at the magnificent Sevens Stadium during the tournament on March 21st and 22nd.A number of other players have already confirmed their attendance in the MCC's tour of the UAE, including Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait.MCC will be captained by former South African batsman Dale Benkenstein and the likes of England's Joe Denly and Somerset duo Peter Trego and Steve Kirby will also feature.They will take on Sussex, Warwickshire and 2011 County Champions Lancashire during the competition.The squad are also set to play against Warwickshire in the Champion County match, which will be held in Abu Dhabi between March 25th and 28th.MCC head of cricket John Stephenson said that staging the events in the Middle East has paid dividends."Since the decision was first made four years ago to play the Champion County fixture in Abu Dhabi as a day-night match, national cricket boards from around the world have subsequently trialled the format," he remarked.Dubai has built up a solid reputation as a global sporting hub in recent years and the locals have a particular affection for cricket.Last year's Emirates Airline Twenty20 Trophy was a thrilling affair and the competition was eventually won by Sussex, who overcame Lancashire in the final.It was a case of third time lucky for the southern county, as they had previously finished as runners-up in 2010 and 2011.Following the event, tournament director Matthew Jackson said the competition had been a great success and some "fantastic cricket" had been played."This event has grown each year with many families coming out to enjoy the festive atmosphere today and we are looking forward to welcoming them and some top-class cricketers back again next year," he remarked.