The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Cricket Team enters the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as an emerging associate nation aiming to build on their previous appearances and make an impact in the expanded 20-team tournament hosted in India and Sri Lanka. This is the second time that UAE have qualified for the T20 WC having failed in 2024.
Key Facts
- Captain: Muhammad Waseem
- Head Coach: Lalchand Rajput
- T20 World Cup Debut Year: 2014
- Best Finish in T20 World Cup: First Round (in 2014 and 2022)
UAE Team Bio
The United Arab Emirates national cricket team represents a nation where cricket has grown rapidly, fueled by a large expatriate population from cricket-playing countries and strategic development by the Emirates Cricket Board. The UAE gained Associate Membership with the ICC in 1990 and achieved ODI status briefly before focusing on shorter formats.
In T20Is, they have shown steady progress, with notable wins against higher-ranked teams and consistent performances in regional qualifiers. Muhammad Waseem, their experienced opener and captain, has been a cornerstone, holding records for most T20I matches and runs for the team. The squad blends local talent with players of South Asian heritage, offering explosive batting, crafty spin, and improved pace options.
Their 2026 qualification came via a strong showing in the Asia-EAP regional qualifier, defeating Japan to secure their spot. This marks their third T20 World Cup appearance (after 2014 and 2022), where they achieved a historic first win in 2022 against Namibia. Under head coach Lalchand Rajput (a 2007 T20 World Cup winner with India) and support staff, including fast-bowling coach Yasir Arafat, UAE aims to upset bigger teams in a tough Group D featuring powerhouses like New Zealand, South Africa, and Afghanistan. With a mix of continuity from 2022 and fresh inclusions, they seek to advance beyond the group stage and inspire growth in UAE cricket.
UAE squad for T20 World Cup 2026
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.
UAE schedule for T20 World Cup 2026
| Date | Team 1 | Team 2 | Venue | Stage | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/02/2026 | New Zealand | UAE | Chennai | Group D | 15:00 |
| 13/02/2026 | Canada | UAE | Delhi | Group D | 15:00 |
| 16/02/2026 | Afghanistan | UAE | Delhi | Group D | 11:00 |
| 18/02/2026 | South Africa | UAE | Delhi | Group D | 11:00 |
