Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman will captain United Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2026, which gets underway on Saturday, 7 November at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Fakhar was confirmed as the United Tigers skipper when the six franchise captains came together for the pre-tournament press conference in Abu Dhabi on Friday, ahead of the season opener. The left-hander will lead a squad packed with international experience, including Pakistan all-rounders Iftikhar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf, Afghanistan star Azmatullah Omarzai, West Indies pacer Odean Smith and Bangladesh veteran Shakib Al Hasan.
Opening day triple-header
United Tigers open their campaign against newcomers Arabian Aces in the final match of a triple-header on the opening day, starting at 8pm GST. Defending champions UAE Bulls face Yas Lions in the first game, before Royal Desert Champions take on Emirates Eagles.
What Fakhar said
"We have no shortage of talent in our team. We have multiple match-winners, and that's a factor that sets us apart," Fakhar said at the captains' briefing. "It helps that many of us are already familiar with each other, and the young guys are gelling well. We're thrilled for the new season."
Tenth season of the Abu Dhabi T10
The 2026 edition, the tenth season of the Abu Dhabi T10, runs from 7 to 20 November, with six franchises competing across 14 days of fast-paced 10-over cricket at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
NOC uncertainty continues
Fakhar's appearance comes after days of uncertainty over NOCs for the Pakistan players in the league, with reports this week saying the PCB and the tournament organisers had reached an agreement. The PCB has not yet issued an official statement on the agreement.
Source: IANS, via Bhaskar Live