The United Arab Emirates national cricket team is preparing for its campaign in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, building upon the competitive foundation established during the recently concluded DP World International League T20 season. The fourth edition of the domestic tournament has provided UAE players with invaluable exposure to high-intensity cricket alongside internationally renowned athletes, creating optimal preparation conditions for the global championship.
Captain Muhammad Waseem, who secured the ILT20’s Blue Belt award for Best UAE Player for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year, will lead the national squad. Waseem emphasized the developmental significance of the league, stating: ‘The DP World ILT20 offers exceptional competitive exposure. Whether experienced or emerging talent, time spent in the middle alongside world-class cricketing minds fundamentally enhances game understanding and situational awareness. We aim to implement these learnings during the World Cup.’
The UAE bowling attack demonstrates particular promise, with Haider Ali and Muhammad Jawadullah having honed their skills alongside elite international bowlers including Afghanistan’s Waqar Salamkheil and Gulbadin Naib, plus Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman. The team’s market value was further validated at the ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, where pacers Junaid Siddique and Rohid Khan commanded substantial contracts of $170,000 and $140,000 respectively, ranking among the tournament’s most expensive acquisitions.
Team composition features three veterans from UAE’s previous T20 World Cup appearance in Australia (2022), with Waseem’s leadership experience encompassing 66 matches as captain throughout his 92-game international career. The coaching staff has been strengthened by the addition of former Pakistan fast bowler Yasir Arafat as bowling coach, bringing extensive international experience to the technical team led by head coach Lalchand Rajput.
The UAE will commence their Group D campaign against New Zealand in Chennai on February 10, subsequently relocating to Delhi for matches against Canada (February 13), Afghanistan (February 16), and concluding with South Africa (February 18). This tournament marks UAE’s return to the global T20 stage after their last appearance in 2022, representing a significant milestone in the nation’s cricket development program.