New Delhi, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Several international cricket stars, including Naseem Shah, Noor Ahmad, Dasun Shanaka and Shadab Khan, were selected during the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2026 player draft on Wednesday, as franchises completed their squads for the upcoming season, beginning November 7.
Naseem Shah was picked by Royal Desert Champions, Noor Ahmad by Emirates Eagles, Muhammad Amir and Shadab Khan by UAE Bulls, Alzarri Joseph by Arabian Aces, and Shanaka by Yas Lions. Kusal Perera, Chris Jordan and several other international players also featured among the notable selections.
UAE players were prominent in the draft, with Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu, Aayan Afzal Khan, Haider Razzaq, Ansh Tandon and Luqman Faisal among those joining the six teams. Former India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat was also selected by Emirates Eagles.
Emirates Eagles will feature pre-draft signings Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer and Trent Boult, alongside Alex Hales, David Wiese, Noor Ahmad, Rehan Ahmed and Chris Green. Their squad also includes Kusal Perera and Bharat.
Royal Desert Champions have assembled a squad featuring Naseem Shah, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera and Chris Jordan. Their batting options include Nicholas Pooran, Phil Salt, Sherfane Rutherford, Brandon King and Muhammad Waseem, while Gulbadin Naib and Keemo Paul add all-round options.
UAE Bulls have retained pre-draft signings Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Romario Shepherd. Their draft selections include Andre Fletcher, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Amir and Nuwan Thushara.
United Tigers have added Azmatullah Omarzai, Odean Smith, Mahedi Hasan, Abbas Afridi and Sufyan Moqim to a squad that already included Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf.
Yas Lions will be led by a group of experienced players, including James Vince, Shanaka, Tom Moores and Akeal Hosein. Their bowling options include Eshan Malinga and Obed McCoy, while Jason Holder, David Willey and Andries Gous were signed before the draft. Netherlands’ Aryan Dutt joined the side as its Associate Member selection.
The 2026 edition of the tournament will feature six franchises: Arabian Aces, Emirates Eagles, Royal Desert Champions, UAE Bulls, United Tigers and Yas Lions.
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