Stallions set to add Emirati flavour to Abu Dhabi T10 League in new season

Dubai: In yet another ground-breaking move, Aspin Stallions became the first ever Emirati-owned franchise of the Abu Dhabi T10 League.

The launch of the new team was announced amid fanfare at a glittering ceremony in Dubai in the presence of Ahmad Khoori, Member of the UAE Federal National Council and former Senior Vice President of Emirates Airlines and Shaji Ul Mulk, Founder and Chairman of the league, along with the other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Khoori said: “We are delighted to be a part of the tournament. I am very excited and looking forward to lift the trophy in the first season.”

He also revealed the reason what prompted him to take a franchise in a cricket tournament.

“We wanted to bring the UAE’s participation in cricket in alignment with the UAE Vision 2031 to strengthen the nation’s global leadership in sports.

“UAE franchises are in every sports like football and basketball so why not cricket. We are new cricket franchise but the future looks bright,” he added.

This landmark announcement marks a new chapter in the UAE’s sporting journey, symbolizing national pride, innovation, and international collaboration. The Stallions represent a pioneering step in Emirati participation in global franchise sports.

Khoori also revealed that the Stallions have roped in former Indian great Harbhajan Singh as their marquee player for the upcoming season.

“We are also delighted to announce that the Indian legend Harbhajan Singh has signed with the Stallions as our marquee player. He will be joined by four more international players, who have been signed in the pre-draft by the franchise,” he informed.

Shaji also expressed his delight and welcomed the new member of the league.

“We welcome Aspin Stallions as the first Emirati-owned franchise in the league. This is a proud moment not just for Abu Dhabi T10,” said Shaji.

“We are going to hold an auction for the upcoming season soon. There are around 1700 players, who have shown interest and registered themselves for the 100 available spots. This gives the owners an opportunity to choose from a wide pool of players.

“The league has grown by leaps and bound. The T10 format is being played in 37 countries. Abu Dhabi T10 garnered a viewership of 400 million in the last season, which shows the popularity of the league,” said Shaji.

Through the Stallions, AMH Sports seeks to honour this shared passion by creating a franchise that represents the UAE’s diversity and celebrates the spirit of cricket that binds both nations together.

The Abu Dhabi T10 League is the world’s only ten-over international cricket league officially sanctioned by ICC and Licenced by the Emirates Cricket Board. It has become one of the most followed cricket formats globally, attracting star players and audiences from around the world. The tournament is hosted annually at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Tourism.