The United Arab Emirates have announced their 15-member squad for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The team includes two changes from the squad that recently played Ireland in a two-match T20I series.
All-rounder Dhruv Parashar and opening batter Mayank Kumar have been added to the squad. They replace Basil Hameed and Rahul Chopra. The changes come after a poor showing in the first T20I against Ireland in Dubai. Both Hameed and Chopra were dismissed for single-digit scores. Hameed also struggled with the ball and gave away 28 runs in two overs.
Muhammed Waseem to lead experienced yet refreshed UAE side at global event
Muhammad Waseem has been named captain of the squad. He will lead UAE at the global tournament. Waseem is one of only three players from UAE’s 2022 T20 World Cup squad. The others are Alishan Sharafu and Junaid Siddique. Waseem is the most experienced UAE player in T20 internationals. He has played 92 matches. He is also the team’s highest run-scorer in the format. Siddique remains UAE’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is.
Parashar brings useful experience to the side. He has already played 32 T20 internationals. He was also part of a strong half-century stand against Pakistan at last year’s Men’s T20 Asia Cup. Mayank Kumar made his international debut during the T20 World Cup Asia and EAP Qualifier. He later played in the Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup in November.
UAE have been placed in Group D of the tournament. The group includes Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. UAE will play warm-up matches against Nepal on February 3 and Italy on February 6 in Chennai. They will begin their campaign against New Zealand on February 10. Matches against Canada, Afghanistan, and South Africa will be played in Delhi.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Yasir Arafat has joined as fast-bowling coach. Lalchand Rajput is the head coach. Stanley Chioza is the fielding coach.
UAE squad: Muhammad Waseem (capt), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh.
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