UAE Cricketers Set to Shine at 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 Tournament
UAE Players to Showcase Talent at 2026 Abu Dhabi T10
The upcoming 2026 Abu Dhabi T10, scheduled from November 7 to 20, will provide UAE cricketers with a unique opportunity to learn from some of the sport's top talents. Notable players such as Muhammad Waseem will share the field with Nicholas Pooran, while Alishan Sharafu will play under the guidance of Moeen Ali. Additionally, Muhammad Rohid will bowl with Kieron Pollard strategizing his field placements, and Dwayne Bravo, a renowned figure in T20 cricket, will serve as the bowling coach and mentor for the UAE Bulls.
Franchise Selections and Player Development
During the draft held on September 30, several UAE players were selected across six franchises, ensuring they receive ample playing time. Each playing XI is mandated to feature at least two UAE players. The Royal Desert Champions have recruited Waseem, Aayan Afzal Khan, and Dhruv Parashar. Meanwhile, Sharafu and Vriitya Aravind will represent the Arabian Aces, and Rohid along with Wali Muhammad will play for UAE Bulls. Emirates Eagles have signed Haider Razzaq, Luqman Faisal, and Harshit Kaushik, while United Tigers selected Awais Ali Shah and Adithya Shetty. Yas Lions have brought in Ansh Tandon and Haider Ali.
Established Players with Proven Records
Many of these players have already made significant contributions at this level. Waseem, a key player for the UAE, scored 176 runs at an impressive strike rate of 196 for Quetta Qavalry last season, with a top score of 50 not out. In 2021, he achieved a remarkable 56 not out off just 13 balls for Northern Warriors, setting a record for the fastest fifty in T10 cricket at that time. He also holds a lucrative contract worth US$210,000 in the DP World ILT20. Spinner Haider Ali played alongside former Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla at Ajman Titans last season. Sharafu, who has benefited from such exposure, has become a recognized UAE international after five years in the competition, reuniting with Moeen at Arabian Aces after their time together at Ajman Titans.
International Participation and Coaching Talent
The tournament will also feature international players, such as Netherlands spinner Aryan Dutt, who has been selected by Yas Lions as their Associate Member choice, and Scotland's Bradley Currie, who will play for UAE Bulls. USA batter Andries Gous, who scored 175 runs at a strike rate of 168.3 for Quetta Qavalry last season, was one of Yas Lions' three pre-draft signings. The coaching staff is equally impressive, with Andy Flower as the head coach of UAE Bulls, Lance Klusener for Arabian Aces, and Mickey Arthur for Emirates Eagles. Robin Singh, the team director for Royal Desert Champions, brings extensive local knowledge from his previous role as the UAE's director of cricket. Young players at Arabian Aces will have the chance to train and compete daily alongside stars like Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, and Liam Livingstone. The tournament kicks off on November 7, with UAE Bulls facing Yas Lions at Zayed Cricket Stadium, culminating in the final on November 20.