UAE Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Full Team List, Group and Fixtures
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will bring global cricketing excitement to India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026, with 20 teams competing in 55 high-intensity matches. Among them, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — one of the most improved associate nations — will aim to showcase their growth and challenge some of the world’s strongest sides.
Led by the dynamic Muhammad Waseem, the UAE is placed in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Canada. With a mix of experienced performers and rising talents, UAE enters the tournament with confidence and a clear intent to cause upsets in favourable subcontinental conditions.
🇦🇪 UAE Likely Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
| No. | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Waseem (C) | Captain / Batter |
| 2 | Alishan Sharafu | Batter |
| 3 | Aryansh Sharma (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 4 | Asif Khan | Batter |
| 5 | Dhruv Parashar | All-Rounder |
| 6 | Ethan D’Souza | Batter |
| 7 | Haider Ali | Batter |
| 8 | Harshit Kaushik | All-Rounder |
| 9 | Junaid Siddique | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Matiullah Khan | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Muhammad Farooq | Bowler |
| 12 | Muhammad Jawadullah | Bowler |
| 13 | Muhammad Zohaib | All-Rounder |
| 14 | Rahul Chopra (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 15 | Rohid Khan | Spinner |
| 16 | Simranjeet Singh | Left-arm Spinner |
| 17 | Saghir Khan | All-Rounder |
Final 15-member squad to be confirmed by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) before the tournament.
Leadership & Team Management
Captain: Muhammad Waseem
Head Coach: (Expected) Robin Singh
Muhammad Waseem continues to be UAE’s most reliable batter and tactical leader. His power-hitting ability at the top and calm presence on the field make him the natural choice to guide a young, developing team through the global stage.
UAE Group D – ICC Men’s T20 WC 2026
| Team | Qualification Path |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | ICC Men’s T20I Rankings |
| South Africa | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| Afghanistan | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| Canada | Americas Qualifier |
| United Arab Emirates | Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier |
Group D presents a challenging mix, but UAE has the tools to compete and test higher-ranked teams.
UAE Group Stage Matches – ICC Men’s T20 WC 2026
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (Local) | Time (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Feb 10, 2026 | New Zealand vs UAE | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 3:00 PM | 09:30 GMT |
| Fri, Feb 13, 2026 | Canada vs UAE | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 3:00 PM | 09:30 GMT |
| Mon, Feb 16, 2026 | Afghanistan vs UAE | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 11:00 AM | 05:30 GMT |
| Wed, Feb 18, 2026 | South Africa vs UAE | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 11:00 AM | 05:30 GMT |
Predicted Playing XI
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Waseem (C) | Batter |
| 2 | Alishan Sharafu | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Asif Khan | Batter |
| 4 | Ethan D’Souza | Middle-Order Batter |
| 5 | Aryansh Sharma (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 6 | Dhruv Parashar | All-Rounder |
| 7 | Harshit Kaushik | All-Rounder |
| 8 | Rohid Khan | Spinner |
| 9 | Muhammad Jawadullah | Left-arm Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Junaid Siddique | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Simranjeet Singh | Left-arm Spinner |
Bench Strength: Muhammad Zohaib, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Farooq, Rahul Chopra, Saghir Khan
Team Strengths & Key Analysis
1. Balanced All-Round Core
Multiple all-rounders give UAE flexibility in both batting and bowling, allowing for different team combinations depending on pitch conditions.
2. Strong Leadership
Waseem’s aggressive mindset and anchoring ability help UAE stay competitive against top-tier opponents.
3. Quality Spin Bowling
Rohid Khan and Simranjeet Singh form a potent spin duo, particularly effective in India’s spin-friendly venues.
4. Youthful Energy
Ethan D’Souza and Aryansh Sharma bring a modern approach to T20 batting, adding dynamism to the middle order.
5. Underdog Advantage
UAE often thrives as a fearless challenger, capable of producing surprise performances in major tournaments.
UAE’s Road to the 2026 T20 World Cup
The UAE’s steady rise is the result of strong domestic cricket and consistent progress in ICC qualifying events. Their disciplined structure, improved fielding standards, and exposure to international cricket have contributed to a competitive squad capable of challenging established teams.
The 2026 T20 World Cup provides a big opportunity for UAE to make a statement on the global stage. Early wins could push them into Super 8 contention — a realistic goal if they execute well.
Final Word
The UAE squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 features a promising blend of youth and experience. With reliable leadership, strong spin options, and a growing belief in their abilities, the team is well equipped to compete in Group D and aim for memorable performances.