Abu Dhabi T10 League Archives

Abu Dhabi T10: Harbhajan Singh, Shahnawaz Dahani exchange handshakes

ABU DHABI: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh exchanged a handshake with Pakistan fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani after the Abu Dhabi T10 League fixture between Northern Warriors and Aspin Stallions here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The moment came after Dahani defended eight runs in the final over, helping his side to clinch a narrow four-run victory over the Stallions.

Shahnawaz Dahani bowled an outstanding over as Stallions were 107/4 and required only eight in pursuit of 115. However, the right-arm pacer delivered the ball and picked up two wickets, and gave away only three runs.

At the end of the game, both teams shook hands, including Stallions skipper Harbhajan Singh.

This comes amid strained India-Pakistan relations after the Pahalgam attack in May this year. Following the tensions, India’s men’s and women’s squads avoided customary handshakes with Pakistani players.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Notably, Harbhajan was also part of the India Legends squad that boycotted the match twice against Pakistan during the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

The Asia Cup 2025 was also marred by several incidents from start to the final match. The drama unraveled when India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy directly from Naqvi and did not attend the closing ceremony.

The trophy still sits with the ACC, awaiting an official handover should India agree to receive it at a separate event.

Notably, India’s refusal to engage in handshakes with Pakistani teams, a pattern that began during the senior Asia Cup, has now become a recurring feature across formats.

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 saw the same behaviour, and the latest chapter came on Sunday in Doha, when India A captain Jitesh Sharma and Pakistan Shaheens skipper Irfan Niazi skipped the customary handshake at the toss.

READ: PCB finalises two cities for new PSL teams

Nafay leads Quetta Qavalry to winning start in Abu Dhabi T10 league

ABU DHABI: Khawaja Nafay’s 45* from only 12 balls powered Quetta Qavalry to a big win against Northern Warriors in the opening match of the Abu Dhabi T10 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Set 134, Northern Warriors could only manage to score 82-2 at the end of their 10 overs.

Hazratullah Zazai remained unbeaten with 31 from 28 while Colin Munro hit three sixes and three fours in his 44 from 28 balls.

For Qavalry, Ali Majid and Jason Holder picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, after being put into bat, Quetta Qavalry piled up 133-5 in their 10 overs.

Evin Lewis was sent back in the second over, whereas Andries Gous followed him in the third over. As a result, they were 20-2 as skipper Liam Livingstone walked into bat and made 24 from 10 balls with the help of two sixes and two fours.

However, the Warriors tightened the screws with clinical bowling and removed Livingstone, Fabian Allen (8), and Muhammad Waseem (15) in quick succession.

As a result, Qavalry were in dire straits with 65-5 in 6.3 overs. However, it was Nafay’s arrival that powered them to a winning total.

The right-hander hit five sixes and two fours on his knock, which took the total to 133 at the end of their innings. Jason Holder also batted well for his 24 from 10 balls with the aid of two sixes and a four.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For Northern Warriors, Trent Boult picked up two wickets. Odean Smith, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Thisara Perera also managed to pick one apiece.

In the second fixture, Deccan Gladiators defeated UAE Bulls by a narrow margin of six runs, courtesy of Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s fiery half-century.

Kohler-Cadmore hit 78* from just 29 balls, laced with seven sixes and six fours that powered Gladiators to 141-2 in their 10 overs.

In reply, UAE Bulls fell short by a narrow margin as they scored 135-5 in their allotted 10 overs.

Tim David remained the top scorer, smashing two sixes and nine fours on his way to 59 from 29 balls.

For Gladiators, Luke Wood picked up two wickets in his two overs while giving away just 14.

READ: Dominant Pakistan crush UAE in Asia Cup Rising Stars

Will Mohammad Amir lead Quetta Qavalry in Abu Dhabi T10 opener?

Quetta Qavalry confirmed that their star pacer and captain, Mohammad Amir, will miss the team’s opening match of the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025 against Northern Warriors on Tuesday due to unforeseen visa-related delays.

In an official statement, the franchise reassured fans that all formalities are underway and Amir will join the squad as soon as his visa is processed.

“Due to an unexpected delay in the visa processing, Mohammad Amir will not be available for today’s first game,” the statement read.

“All formalities are currently in progress, and he will join the squad and take charge as soon as his visa arrives. We appreciate your patience and continued support for the Qavalry.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Quetta Qavalry (@quettaqavalry)

Amir’s absence was felt during the captains’ conference and the trophy unveiling ceremony, where England all-rounder Liam Livingstone stepped in as Qavalry’s representative.

The Qavalry squad for their maiden Abu Dhabi T10 League features a mix of experienced internationals and local talent, including Liam Livingstone, Jason Holder, Azam Khan, Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, and Muhammad Waseem, among others.

Quetta Qavalry squad for Abu Dhabi T10 League:

Liam Livingstone, Mohammad Amir, Jason Holder, Azam Khan (wk), Andries Gous, Muhammad Waseem, Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, Gudakesh Motie, Ali Naseer, Khuzaima Bin Tanvir, Abdul Ghaffar, Abbas Afridi, Irfan Khan Niazi, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Arafat Minhas, Umer Zeeshan Lohya and George Scrimshaw.

READ: Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali resigns from PCB roles: sources

Two Pakistan players join Delhi Bulls for Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025

The Delhi Bulls have bolstered their lineup with the addition of two Pakistani cricketers, including all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed, ahead of the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, set to take place from November 18 to 30.

The franchise confirmed the signings of Iftikhar and young pacer Ubaid Shah through its official social media channels.

For 19-year-old Ubaid Shah, this will be his first taste of international franchise cricket.

The right-arm quick, younger brother of Naseem Shah, impressed during his Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 campaign for Multan Sultans, where he claimed 12 wickets in 11 matches.

Iftikhar Ahmed has played 66 international T20 matches for Pakistan, scoring nearly 1,000 runs at a strike rate of 129.10.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The hard-hitting middle-order batter has become a reliable presence in short-format leagues worldwide. His experience spans the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Lanka Premier League (LPL).

Earlier, the Delhi Bulls had strengthened their pace department with the signings of Salman Irshad and Mir Hamza during the player draft held on October 19.

Elsewhere, the draft also saw Pakistani players making their mark across franchises.

Deccan Gladiators picked up spinner Usman Tariq, who recently starred in the CPL 2025 with 20 wickets in 10 games, and young pacer Ali Raza.

Meanwhile, Zaman Khan, Asif Ali, and Akif Javed will represent Ajman Titans, adding more Pakistani flavour to this year’s T10 spectacle.

READ: Abbas Afridi-led Pakistan squad lands in Hong Kong for Sixes tournament

Mohammad Amir named Quetta Qavalry captain for Abu Dhabi T10 league

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir will lead Quetta Qavalry in their inaugural season of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, starting November 18.

The announcement came via Qavalry social media handle with an animated poster.

“The leader of the Qavalry. The charge starts now.,” the caption wrote.

For the unversed, Quetta Qavalry will commence their campaign in an opening encounter against Northern Warriors. They will then play against the Ajman Titans on November 19 and take on the Deccan Gladiators on November 21.

Their fourth fixture will be against Delhi Bulls on November 22, whereas their second-to-last and final fixtures will be against Vista Riders and Royal Champs on November 27 and 28, respectively.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Quetta Qavalry (@quettaqavalry)

A few days earlier, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan joined Quetta Qavalry as a replacement for Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza ahead of the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, set to take place from November 18 to 30.

The franchise announced the update via social media, confirming that Raza would be unavailable due to national commitments and welcoming Azam as his replacement.

Raza’s withdrawal comes as he is currently leading Zimbabwe in their T20I series against Afghanistan.

For Azam Khan, this marks another stint with a Quetta-based franchise, having previously represented the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from 2018 to 2021.

The hard-hitting batter has played 61 PSL matches, scoring 1,206 runs at a strike rate of 143.40, including six half-centuries.

The team will be coached by Yasir Arafat, with Javeria Khan serving as team director.

Quetta Qavalry squad for Abu Dhabi T10 League:

READ: ICC announces match officials for Women’s World Cup final

Pakistan wicket-keeper to replace Sikandar Raza in Quetta Qavalry

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has joined Quetta Qavalry as a replacement for Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza ahead of the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, set to take place from November 18 to 30.

The franchise announced the update via social media, confirming that Raza would be unavailable due to national commitments and welcoming Azam as his replacement.

“Another powerhouse saddles up. Azam Khan joins the Qavalry squad as Sikandar Raza serves national duty. Khush Aamdeed, Impact Khan,” the franchise posted.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Quetta Qavalry (@quettaqavalry)

Raza’s withdrawal comes as he prepares to lead Zimbabwe in their upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan starting Wednesday in Harare, followed by a T20I tri-series in Pakistan featuring the hosts and Sri Lanka next month.

For Azam Khan, this marks another stint with a Quetta-based franchise, having previously represented the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from 2018 to 2021.

The hard-hitting batter has played 61 PSL matches, scoring 1,206 runs at a strike rate of 143.40, including six half-centuries.

He also brings global T20 experience, having featured in the ILT20, CPL, BPL, and LPL.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

However, at the international level, Azam is yet to make a strong impression, managing 88 runs in 14 T20Is for Pakistan at an average of 8.80 and a strike rate of 133.33.

Meanwhile, the debutant Quetta Qavalry has assembled a strong squad for their maiden campaign, featuring big names such as Liam Livingstone, Jason Holder, Mohammad Amir, Imran Tahir, and Muhammad Waseem.

The team will be coached by Yasir Arafat, with Javeria Khan serving as team director.

Quetta Qavalry squad for Abu Dhabi T10 League

Liam Livingstone, Mohammad Amir, Jason Holder, Azam Khan, Andries Gous, Muhammad Waseem, Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, Gudakesh Motie, Ali Naseer, Khuzaima Bin Tanvir, Abdul Ghaffar, Abbas Afridi, Irfan Khan Niazi, Khawaja Nafay, Arafat Minhas, Umer Zeeshan Lohya and George Scrimshaw.

READ: Mike Hesson breaks silence on Mohammad Haris’ exclusion from T20I squad

Amir set to spearhead Quetta Qavalry attack in Abu Dhabi T10 League

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has joined the newly-formed franchise Quetta Qavalry for their debut campaign in the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 League, slated to begin on November 18.

The franchise confirmed Amir’s signing through its official social media handles on Wednesday, unveiling the experienced left-armer with a bold statement.

“You asked for it. You waited for it. Now he’s here — Ladies and Gentlemen, Mohammad Amir. The Desert Spear, The Global Legend of Quetta Qavalry,” the franchise posted.

Mohammad Amir, one of Pakistan’s most seasoned fast bowlers in franchise cricket, adds immense experience to the squad.

The 33-year-old has featured in major leagues across the world, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Men’s The Hundred, ILT20, Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Lanka Premier League (LPL).

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Across his extensive T20 career, Amir has bagged 458 wickets in 348 matches at an economy rate of 7.15, while representing Pakistan in 62 T20Is and taking 65 wickets on the international stage.

The Qavalry setup has been assembling a strong and diverse lineup ahead of their debut season.

Earlier this week, they announced Jason Holder and Liam Livingstone, while Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, USA’s Andries Gous, South Africa’s Imran Tahir, and UAE’s Muhammad Waseem have also joined the squad.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat has been appointed as head coach, bringing both local insight and international experience to the dressing room.

The franchise, owned by Nadeem Omar, who also owns Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, was officially launched on October 10.

Quetta Qavalry will compete in the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, running from November 18 to 30.

READ: Mohammad Hafeez calls on PCB to focus more on red-ball cricket

Kohler-Cadmore’s blitz helps Deccan Gladiators clinch third Abu Dhabi T10 League title

ABU DHABI: Tom Kohler-Cadmore played an unbeaten 56-run knock to power Deccan Gladiators to thump Morrisville Samp Army by eight wickets and clinch their third Abu Dhabi T10 League title here on Monday.

Notably, Deccan Gladiators became the first team to lift the Abu Dhabi T10 League trophy thrice, having previously won the tournament in 2021 and 2022.

While batting first Morrisville Samp Army posted 104-7 courtesy of quick cameos of Faf du Plessis, Andries Gous and Karim Janat.

Faf du Plessis, who came into bat as an opener, top-scored with a 34-run knock from 23 balls, which featured five boundaries and one six before falling prey to Richard Gleeson in the eighth over.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, Andries Gous struck 21 runs from nine balls with the help of two sixes and one four followed by Karim Janat’s unbeaten 16 off eight balls.

Richard Gleeson took two wickets for Deccan Gladiators, while Maheesh Theekshana, Anrich Nortje, Usman Tariq and Ibrar Ahmad chipped in with one wicket each.

While chasing a target of 105, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and captain Nicholas Pooran gave Deccan Gladiators a flying start with a 51-run opening stand in 3.2 overs.

Pooran smashed three sixes and one four on his way to a 10-ball knock of 28 runs before he fell victim to Isuru Udana, who took three wickets in Qualifier 2 against Delhi Bulls.

Kohler-Cadmore continued his onslaught during a one-sided partnership of 44 runs with Rilee Rossouw (12) to take his team within touching distance of victory.

Amir Hamza dismissed Rossouw, bringing Jos Buttler to bat. Buttler scored 12 runs off five balls, guiding his team to victory with 19 balls remaining.

Kohler-Cadmore’s 21-ball 56 was laced with five boundaries and four sixes.

READ: India stripped of Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 hosting rights

Morrisville Samp Army defeat Delhi Bulls to reach Abu Dhabi T10 League final

ABU DHABI: Jack Taylor held on to his nerves and played a quick 23-run cameo to steer Morrisville Samp Army to victory in Qualifier 2 of the Abu Dhabi T10 League against Delhi Bulls here on Monday.

With this victory, Morrisville Samp Army qualified for the final of the Abu Dhabi T10 League against Deccan Gladiators, scheduled to be played later today.

Morrisville Samp Army invited Delhi Bulls to bat first and restricted them to 89-7, courtesy of a dominant bowling performance.

Tim David top-scored for Delhi Bulls with 24 runs from 14 balls, while Nikhil Chaudhary (16) and captain Rovman Powell (13) were the other two notable contributors. Notably, all three of them fell prey to Isuru Udana, who returned with figures of 3-17.

Amir Hamza also bagged two wickets, while Imad Wasim and Karim Janat managed one wicket each.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

In response, Morrisville Samp Army achieved the target in 9.1 overs despite a disciplined bowling performance by Delhi Bulls’ bowlers.

Andries Gous top-scored with a 38-run knock from 23 balls with the help of five boundaries and one six, meanwhile, Jack Taylor played an unbeaten cameo of 23 runs from 11 balls.

Salman Irshad was the major wicket-taker for Delhi Bulls with two wickets on one over, while Fazalhaq Farooqi, Muhammad Rohid and Shadab Khan picked one wicket each.

READ: PCB reveals ticket prices for Champions T20 Cup

WATCH: Ball boy pulls off ‘WWE move’ on Faf du Plessis in Abu Dhabi T10 League

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis narrowly escaped injury, during the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10 League, when a ball boy inadvertently caused him to tumble over the advertising boards.

Du Plessis is playing for Morrisville Samp Army in the Abu Dhabi T10 League and the above-mentioned incident during the match against Delhi Bulls.

Morrisville Samp Army, while batting first, set a target of 113 runs, with Faf du Plessis adding only 11 runs to the total.

During the Delhi Bulls’ innings, Tim David hit a powerful shot off Isuru Udana that soared towards extra cover. In a bid to stop the ball from racing to the boundary, Faf du Plessis sprinted at full throttle.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Unfortunately, he was unable to prevent it from crossing the boundary. A ball boy, eagerly anticipating the ball’s arrival, inadvertently obstructed Du Plessis, whose forward momentum was directed towards the boundary boards.

As Du Plessis attempted to leap over the ball boy to avoid a collision, the boy unexpectedly stood up, resulting in a WWE-style suplex that sent Du Plessis over the boundary boards.

Fortunately, he landed safely on the other side, skillfully avoiding the hard impact of the advertising hoardings that lined the field. A flicker of frustration crossed his face as he glanced at the ball boy, silently acknowledging the precarious situation they both found themselves in.

Despite the chaotic encounter, Du Plessis chose not to voice his displeasure. Instead, he took a few moments to catch his breath, stretching out his muscles and assessing his condition before resolutely returning to the field.

It’s worth noting that Faf du Plessis is in stellar form during the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2024, having scored 201 runs at a strike-rate of 220.87 in six innings.

READ: Kane Williamson surpasses Virat Kohli, Younis Khan for historic Test milestone