The Abu Dhabi T10 cricket tournament is set to begin its 2026 edition on November 7, marking a new phase under the management of Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH). Defending champions UAE Bulls will open the competition against Yas Lions at Zayed Cricket Stadium, with the match scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. GST.
This year’s tournament will feature six franchises and a total of 32 matches spread over two weeks, concluding on November 20. The UAE Bulls, captained by West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard, will field a strong squad including Sunil Narine and Romario Shepherd. Their first opponents, the Yas Lions led by Jason Holder, will rely on players such as David Willey, James Vince, and Dasun Shanaka.
The opening day will continue with a 5:45 p.m. fixture between the Royal Desert Champions and Emirates Eagles. The Royal Desert Champions boast a lineup with Nicholas Pooran, Phil Salt, and Naseem Shah. The day’s final match at 8 p.m. will see United Tigers, featuring Fakhar Zaman and Azmatullah Omarzai, face Arabian Aces, who count Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, and Liam Livingstone among their ranks.
The 2026 season represents a major development for the Abu Dhabi T10 league, transitioning into government ownership and management with backing from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Emirates Cricket Board. The league has also welcomed five new franchise ownership groups alongside the existing teams. These changes are intended to enhance governance structures, promote sustainable growth, and increase the tournament’s global profile.
Matt Bouckaert, CEO of ADCSH and Abu Dhabi T10, highlighted the significance of the tournament’s opening day, stating that having all six franchises compete on the first day, starting with the defending champions, represents an ideal start to this new period for the league.