UAE Cricketer Muhammad Rohid Highlights ILT20's Role in Local Talent Development

UAE left-arm pacer Muhammad Rohid highlights the transformative impact of the International League T20 (ILT20) on local cricketers. After being signed by MI Emirates for USD 140,000, he emphasizes the league's role in creating opportunities for aspiring players. Rohid reflects on his experiences training alongside international stars and the lessons learned under pressure. As a regular contender for the UAE national team, he aims to continue improving and contributing to his team's success. Discover how ILT20 is shaping the future of cricket in the UAE through Rohid's inspiring journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 22, 2026, 15:45 IST

Rohid's Journey in ILT20

Muhammad Rohid, a left-arm pacer from the UAE, expressed that the International League T20 (ILT20) has paved a significant path for local cricketers to realize their aspirations. He became one of the top acquisitions among UAE players during the league's first player auction.

Acquired by MI Emirates for USD 140,000 ahead of the fourth season, Rohid ranked as the fifth-most expensive player in the auction. This reflects the increasing confidence franchises have in UAE talent and the rising importance of homegrown players in the league.

ILT20's Influence on UAE Cricket

For Rohid, the auction was not merely a personal achievement; he believes the ILT20's greatest contribution is the opportunities it has created for aspiring cricketers in the UAE. He stated, "The ILT20 has established a clear pathway for UAE players. Young cricketers can now see that performing well leads to opportunities, whether with a franchise or the national team. This is incredibly motivating, and I hope my journey inspires more youngsters to pursue their dreams."

Transformative Experience with MI Emirates

Reflecting on his time with MI Emirates, who finished as runners-up last season, Rohid noted that training and competing alongside international stars has significantly changed his approach to the game.

Handling Pressure

During ILT20 Season 4, Rohid's ability to remain calm under pressure was tested when he learned he would be playing in Qualifier 2 just 10 minutes before the toss. He responded impressively, achieving figures of 2-19 by dismissing Brandon McMullen and Liam Livingstone. He remarked, "The ILT20 has made me a better cricketer. The key lesson I learned is to always be prepared because opportunities can arise unexpectedly. The team environment taught me to trust my preparation, remain composed under pressure, and rely on my skills whenever I got the chance."

Learning from International Players

Sharing the dressing room with renowned players like Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Shakib Al Hasan has profoundly impacted Rohid. He shared, "Being around such talented players is a dream for young cricketers. Observing their match preparation, purposeful training, and composure under pressure has taught me a lot. They were always open to sharing advice, and those brief conversations boosted my confidence and improved my game. Learning from those who have excelled in international cricket is an invaluable experience."

National Aspirations and Future Goals

Rohid has also become a regular member of the UAE national team. Since his international debut, he has played in both white-ball formats (3 ODIs, 17 T20Is), showcasing several impactful performances as one of the emerging left-arm quicks in the country. His progress over the past year earned him a spot in the UAE squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where he made an appearance against New Zealand. He stated, "Representing the UAE is my greatest motivation, and I aim to improve every season. My goal is to be a bowler my captain can rely on in any situation, whether with the new ball or at the end of the innings. I am thankful to MI Emirates for their belief in me and for providing opportunities, and I hope to contribute even more in the upcoming seasons."