UAE unveil squad for T20 World Cup 2026
The Asian team is set for their third appearance in the upcoming global event in India and Sri Lanka.
UAE's star batter Muhammad Waseem will lead the 15-member contingent for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, commencing next month.
The team claimed their place in the 20-member tournament after a win over Japan in their Super Six clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier in Oman.
Squad: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh.
While Lalchand Rajput is the head coach, the coaching staff is joined by former Pakistan international Yasir Arafat, who will be the fast bowling coach. Zimbabwe’s Stanley Chioza will serve as team’s fielding coach for the tournament.
Muhammad Waseem sets up UAE for historic feat | Namibia v UAE | T20WC 2022
Waseem in fine form against Namibia at the T20 World Cup in 2022
The Asian side has previously participated twice in the marquee event with group stage finishes both in 2014 and 2022.
The UAE are facing-off against Ireland for a two-match T20I series, before heading to the T20 World Cup. They'll feature in two warm-up fixtures against Nepal (3 February) and Italy (6 February), before beginning their campaign against New Zealand on February 10 in Chennai.
They will also lock horns against Canada, Afghanistan and South Africa, who are also drawn in Group D in the mega event.