UAE players set to join cricket greats in Abu Dhabi T10 line-up.
Dubai: UAE cricketers will have an opportunity to learn from some of the biggest names in the sport when the Abu Dhabi T10 returns from November 7 to 20. With six franchises taking part, local players are set to gain valuable experience alongside international stars.
UAE captain Muhammad Waseem will share the dressing room with West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran at Royal Desert Champions, while Alishan Sharafu will play under England all-rounder Moeen Ali at Arabian Aces.
At UAE Bulls, young pacer Muhammad Rohid will have Kieron Pollard helping him with on-field strategies, while former West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo will serve as bowling coach and mentor.
The tournament’s rules ensure opportunities for homegrown talent, with every playing XI required to include at least two UAE players. Several regular members of the national team were picked during the draft on September 30.
Royal Desert Champions also selected Aayan Afzal Khan and Dhruv Parashar, while Arabian Aces have Sharafu and Vriitya Aravind in their squad. UAE Bulls picked Wali Muhammad alongside Rohid.
Waseem enters the tournament with an impressive T10 record. He scored 176 runs at a strike rate of 196 for Quetta Qavalry last season, including an unbeaten 50. In 2021, he also struck an unbeaten 56 off just 13 balls for Northern Warriors.
Sharafu, meanwhile, has already seen how the competition can help players develop. Since making his T10 debut five years ago, he has established himself as a UAE international. He will reunite with Moeen after playing alongside him for Ajman Titans last season.
The tournament will also feature several experienced coaches, including Andy Flower at UAE Bulls, Lance Klusener at Arabian Aces and Mickey Arthur at Emirates Eagles.
UAE Bulls and Yas Lions will kick off the competition at Zayed Cricket Stadium on November 7, with the final scheduled for November 20.
