UAE cricketers get a front-row seat with biggest names at Abu Dhabi T10

UAE cricketers will get the opportunity to play alongside some of the biggest names in international cricket at the 2026 Abu Dhabi T10, scheduled to take place from November 7 to 20. Players such as Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Moeen Ali and Jason Holder will share their experience with local talent during the tournament.

The competition will also ensure regular opportunities for UAE players, with every playing XI required to include at least two UAE cricketers.

UAE Players Selected Across Six Franchises

Several UAE players were selected across the six franchises during the draft held on September 30.

• Royal Desert Champions: Muhammad Waseem, Aayan Afzal Khan and Dhruv Parashar

• Arabian Aces: Alishan Sharafu and Vriitya Aravind

• UAE Bulls: Muhammad Rohid and Wali Muhammad

• Emirates Eagles: Haider Razzaq, Luqman Faisal and Harshit Kaushik

• United Tigers: Awais Ali Shah and Adithya Shetty

• Yas Lions: Ansh Tandon and Haider Ali

The team arrangements will give emerging UAE players the chance to learn from experienced international cricketers throughout the competition.

Muhammad Waseem Brings Impressive T10 Experience

UAE captain Muhammad Waseem has already made a strong impression in the T10 format. Last season, he scored 176 runs at a strike rate of 196 for Quetta Qavalry, including a top score of 50 not out.

In 2021, Waseem scored an unbeaten 56 off just 13 balls for Northern Warriors, equalling the T10 record for the fastest half-century at the time. He also holds a record US$210,000 contract in the DP World ILT20.

Meanwhile, spinner Haider Ali played alongside former India leg-spinner Piyush Chawla for Ajman Titans last season.

Moeen Ali and Other International Stars to Mentor UAE Talent

Alishan Sharafu will reunite with Moeen Ali at Arabian Aces after playing alongside him for Ajman Titans last season. Sharafu believes the experience of sharing a team with international stars can help players develop their skills and careers.

At Arabian Aces, young players will also have the opportunity to train and compete alongside Andre Russell and Liam Livingstone.

Muhammad Rohid will play for UAE Bulls under the leadership of Kieron Pollard. The team will also benefit from the experience of Dwayne Bravo, who joins as bowling coach and mentor.

International Associate Players Join the Competition

The tournament will also feature talented players from Associate cricket nations. Netherlands spinner Aryan Dutt has been selected by Yas Lions as their Associate Member pick, while Scotland's Bradley Currie will represent UAE Bulls.

USA batter Andries Gous is among Yas Lions' three pre-draft signings. He scored 175 runs at a strike rate of 168.3 for Quetta Qavalry last season.

The coaching teams bring considerable international experience to the competition.

Andy Flower will serve as head coach of UAE Bulls, Lance Klusener will lead Arabian Aces, and Mickey Arthur will take charge of Emirates Eagles.

Royal Desert Champions have appointed Robin Singh as team director. He brings valuable local knowledge from his previous role as the UAE's director of cricket.

Abu Dhabi T10 2026 Begins on November 7

The tournament will begin on November 7, with UAE Bulls taking on Yas Lions in the opening match at Zayed Cricket Stadium. The competition will continue until November 20, when the final will take place.

With international stars, experienced coaches and guaranteed opportunities for UAE players, the 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 promises an exciting platform for local and international cricket talent.