15 Pakistan players set to feature in new-look Abu Dhabi T10

The Abu Dhabi T10 is preparing for a fresh beginning, and Pakistan’s sizeable presence is set to be one of the major talking points when the revamped competition gets underway on November 7.

The 2026 edition represents a significant reset for the tournament, with the Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) taking full ownership with backing from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Emirates Cricket Board. The new structure is designed to give the league greater stability, stronger franchise identities and a more sustainable long-term future.

With five new owners joining UAE Bulls, the tournament now features six franchises, while last week’s player draft brought together an impressive collection of international short-format stars.

Among them are 15 Pakistan players, with their names spread across five of the six franchises.

Why is Pakistan’s representation significant?

The presence of 15 Pakistan players gives the Abu Dhabi T10 a strong connection with one of cricket’s biggest markets.

The number is particularly notable when compared with the UAE’s other major franchise competition, the ILT20, which has only five Pakistan players in its 2026 edition. Mohammad Amir is also part of the T10, taking the total number of Pakistan-born players to 16, although he is registered as an English player.

Pakistan’s contingent includes established stars such as Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed, alongside several emerging and specialist T20 players.

Which Pakistan players will represent United Tigers?

United Tigers have assembled a star-studded Pakistan contingent in the tournament, with five players joining the franchise.

The group is led by Pakistan white-ball star Fakhar Zaman, who was also selected as the franchise’s icon player. He will be joined by Iftikhar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi and Sufyan Moqim.

Who will play for UAE Bulls?

The defending association of UAE Bulls with the Abu Dhabi T10 continues into the revamped era, and the franchise has also secured a strong Pakistan presence.

Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Azam Khan and Khawaja Nafay will represent UAE Bulls.

Shadab brings considerable T20 experience and all-round ability, while Khushdil and Wasim Jr. add power with bat and ball. Azam Khan provides another explosive batting option, with Khawaja Nafay adding further depth to the franchise's Pakistani contingent.

Which Pakistan star is joining Royal Desert Champions?

Naseem Shah is the lone Pakistan player at Royal Desert Champions.

The Pakistan fast bowler joins a star-studded squad led by West Indies superstar Nicholas Pooran, who was selected as the franchise's icon player.

Who are the Pakistan players at Emirates Eagles?

Emirates Eagles have selected three Pakistan players: Hasan Nawaz, Akif Javed and Ali Raza.

The trio provides the franchise with a mix of young talent and specialist skills as the Eagles look to build a competitive squad around their West Indies icon, Rovman Powell.

Which Pakistan player is at Arabian Aces?

Salman Irshad is the only Pakistan player representing Arabian Aces.

The franchise's icon player is former England all-rounder Moeen Ali, giving the team an interesting combination of international experience and Pakistan's fast-bowling talent.

What makes the new Abu Dhabi T10 different?

The tournament's organisers are positioning the 2026 edition as more than just another franchise competition.

ADCSH chief executive and Abu Dhabi T10 CEO Matt Boucher said the objective is to create franchises with long-term identities rather than teams that exist only during the tournament window.

The league will also feature a strong mix of international and UAE players, with local stars such as Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu, Aayan Afzal Khan and Vriitya Aravind adding a homegrown dimension.

With the tournament beginning on November 7 at Zayed Cricket Stadium, the Abu Dhabi T10 is hoping its new structure, international star power and strong Pakistani representation can help launch a more sustainable second chapter.