UAE announce 15-member squad for upcoming T20 World Cup 2026
The UAE have been drawn into Group D of the 20-team competition, where they will face Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa
The UAE Cricket Board has announced their team for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The team has made some changes from the team currently playing against Ireland in a two-match T20I series. Dhruv Parashar, an all-rounder, and Mayank Kumar (an opening batsman) have replaced Basil Hameed and Rahul Chopra. The selections show a desire by the selectors to reward form, balance and versatility as the UAE prepares for what is going to be the greatest challenge of its cricketing year with the global event taking place in India and Sri Lanka.
Captain Muhammad Waseem will be in charge of the squad of 15 players, continuing on as captain for the prestigious competition;only Waseem, Alishan Sharafu and Junaid Siddique were part of the UAE squad in the previous T20 World Cup in 2022. Waseem with 92 T20 International matches has the most experience in this squad as well as being the leading run-scorer in T20 for UAE. He provides not only leadership but also a wealth of reliability at the top of the batters.
Junaid Siddique remains a key figure in the bowling attack, holding the record as UAE’s leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals. Basil Hameed and Rahul Chopra, meanwhile, were left out following underwhelming performances in the opening T20I against Ireland, where both batters failed to reach double figures. Hameed also endured a tough outing with the ball, conceding 28 runs in just two overs. The management opted for fresh options to strengthen the squad ahead of the demanding World Cup schedule.
UAE Group Challenge, Preparation, and Support Staff
Dhruv Parashar adds valuable experience to the middle order and bowling unit, having already represented UAE in 32 T20Is. He was notably part of a memorable half-century partnership that put Pakistan under pressure during last year’s Men’s T20 Asia Cup. Mayank Kumar, on the other hand, is seen as a promising talent. He made his international debut during the T20 World Cup Asia and EAP Qualifier and later featured in the Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup, impressing with his temperament and technique.
UAE have been drawn into Group D of the 20-team tournament, alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. They will play warm-up matches against Nepal on February 3 and Italy on February 6 in Chennai before opening their campaign against New Zealand on February 10. The squad will then travel to Delhi for matches against Canada, Afghanistan, and South Africa. Former Pakistan pacer Yasir Arafat joins as fast-bowling coach, working alongside head coach Lalchand Rajput and fielding coach Stanley Chioza.
UAE squad for Men's T20 World Cup 2026
Muhammad Waseem (C), 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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