🇦🇪 UAE Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Full Team List, Group & Fixtures
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will light up India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026, featuring 20 international teams competing across 55 thrilling matches.
Among the participants, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) return to the global stage for their third T20 World Cup appearance, aiming to build on their steady rise in international cricket.
Led by explosive opener Muhammad Waseem, the Asian side enters the tournament full of belief after an impressive qualification campaign. Drawn in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan and Canada, UAE face a tough challenge but remain hopeful of producing surprise performances in familiar subcontinental conditions.
🇦🇪 UAE Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Waseem (C) | Batter |
| 2 | Alishan Sharafu | Batter |
| 3 | Aryansh Sharma | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 4 | Dhruv Parashar | All-rounder |
| 5 | Haider Ali | Batter |
| 6 | Harshit Kaushik | Bowler |
| 7 | Junaid Siddique | Fast Bowler |
| 8 | Mayank Kumar | All-rounder |
| 9 | Muhammad Arfan | Bowler |
| 10 | Muhammad Farooq | Spinner |
| 11 | Muhammad Jawadullah | Fast Bowler |
| 12 | Muhammad Zohaib | All-rounder |
| 13 | Rohid Khan | Batter |
| 14 | Sohaib Khan | All-rounder |
| 15 | Simranjeet Singh | All-rounder |
Head Coach: Lalchand Rajput
Fast Bowling Coach: Yasir Arafat
Fielding Coach: Stanley Chioza
Leadership & Team Management
Captain Muhammad Waseem remains the heartbeat of UAE cricket. Known for his fearless power-hitting and calm on-field leadership, Waseem played a decisive role during qualification and will once again carry the responsibility at the top of the order.
Under head coach Lalchand Rajput, UAE have shown noticeable improvement in structure, discipline and match awareness — key factors behind their consistent rise among associate nations.
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 UAE Playing XI
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Waseem (C) | Opener |
| 2 | Alishan Sharafu | Batter |
| 3 | Haider Ali | Batter |
| 4 | Rohid Khan | Middle order |
| 5 | Aryansh Sharma (WK) | Wicketkeeper |
| 6 | Dhruv Parashar | All-rounder |
| 7 | Simranjeet Singh | Spin all-rounder |
| 8 | Mayank Kumar | All-rounder |
| 9 | Muhammad Farooq | Spinner |
| 10 | Junaid Siddique | Fast bowler |
| 11 | Muhammad Jawadullah | Fast bowler |
Bench Strength: Muhammad Zohaib, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Sohaib Khan
Team Strengths & Key Analysis
Balanced All-Round Depth
UAE possess multiple all-rounders who provide flexibility across different pitch conditions.
Proven Captaincy
Waseem’s aggressive starts often dictate UAE’s tempo in powerplay overs.
Effective Spin Combination
Farooq and Simranjeet Singh could be vital on Indian surfaces.
Growing International Experience
Several players featured in the 2022 World Cup, adding composure under pressure.
Underdog Advantage
With little external pressure, UAE remain capable of upsetting higher-ranked teams.
UAE’s Road to the T20 World Cup 2026
UAE qualified for the tournament after defeating Japan in the Super Six stage of the Asia & East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Oman. Their campaign highlighted disciplined bowling, aggressive powerplay batting and improved fielding standards.
Consistent ICC participation and a stronger domestic setup have helped transform UAE into one of the most competitive associate nations in world cricket.
Final Word
The UAE squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reflects a team growing in confidence and international maturity. While progression from Group D will be challenging, UAE possess the firepower, experience and belief to push stronger opponents and chase historic results.
With Muhammad Waseem leading from the front, the Asian side will aim to make their third World Cup appearance their most memorable yet.