Abu Dhabi T10 adds teams to make it perfect 10 with Disney Star deal

Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)

Two new teams have been added to the Abu Dhabi T10 League cricket tournament, making it more bigger and grander when action begins next month over 12 days at the Zayed Cricket Stadium for Season 7.

The popular event in cricket's shortest format, a brainchild of Ajman entrepreneur Shaji-ul-Mulk and since been developed for the past five years by Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, will swell to comprise 10 franchises with the inclusion of Bolts Ajman and UP Nawabs.

This means more international stars will head to Abu Dhabi in a burgeoning roster of big-name players. Fans can look forward to the likes of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Marcus Stoinis, Lockie Ferguson, and Rashid Khan brandish their skills once again.

A player draft will be held on Thursday evening to complete the line-ups while giving opportunities to many upcoming players, including those from the UAE, before action begins on November 21 and concludes on December 2, coinciding with the UAE's 53rd National Day celebrations.

Existing teams have used the build-up time to fine-tune their squads while the new teams have finalised a few names to form the core of the squads.

Exciting Afghanistan opener Rahmanuallah Gurbaz and recently retired England opening batsman Dawid Malan will be out as men on mission for UP Nawabs. They will also have Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid and Andre Fletcher in the ranks.

The Bolts Ajman franchise have managed to enlist James Neesham, Mujheeb Ur Rahman, Lungi Ngidi, Gulbadin Naib and Haider Ali.

Defending champions New York Strikers, Deccan Gladiators, Northern Warriors, Morrisville Samp Army, Delhi Bulls, Bangla Tigers, Team Abu Dhabi, and the newly named Jaguar Braves (formerly Chennai Braves) will return to the draft tables having already signed a few players privately while also identifying those they opted to retain.

More than 400 players from all cricketing nations around the world have registered for the draft, such is the appeal of the tournament.

This season’s excitement is further amplified by a three-year broadcast deal with Disney Star, ensuring extensive coverage in both English and regional languages across India, where cricket is a religion and enjoys mass numbers.

"The incredible talent pool for this season speaks volumes about the excitement surrounding the format," said Shaji ul-Mulk in a statement released on Wednesday. 
"With the addition of two new teams and our landmark Disney Star broadcast deal, the 2024 season will be our biggest yet. It’s evident that the format has made a great impact on the cricket world. Fans can expect unprecedented action and entertainment—it’s going to be a spectacle like no other.”

Matt Boucher, the Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, also shared the excitement. “We’re excited to deliver yet another world-class lineup at the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10, which has thrived since we brought the competition to the UAE capital. 

"Abu Dhabi is now a global centre for sport, and the Abu Dhabi T10 has played a significant part in making that vision of the government a reality. With the tournament this year expanding... there are even more exciting times and even more opportunities for us to showcase this incredible city to the world.”