Abu Dhabi T10 Governance And Local Ownership Reshapes UAE Cricket

Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub has taken majority control of the Abu Dhabi T10, turning cricket's fastest format into a fully Abu Dhabi-owned and managed league. The move shifts commercial rights and long-term planning to local hands, positioning the event as a central asset within the emirate's wider sports strategy.

Under the updated structure, Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub will run the Abu Dhabi T10 as a long-term national property. Abu Dhabi Sports Council will back the project, while Emirates Cricket Board offers regulatory support. Officials describe the model as designed for stability, clear oversight, and global expansion of the ten-over format.

Abu Dhabi T10 governance, vision and backing

His Excellency Aref Al Awani framed the shift as a major step in the tournament's journey.

"This is a strategic evolution of the tournament which signals strengthened governance, institutional credibility, and a clear global growth strategy for the sport's fastest format," commented His Excellency Aref Al Awani, Chairman of the Board, ADCSH and General Secretary, ADSC. Al Awani said the changes build on strong local fan support.

Al Awani stressed that the on-field formula for Abu Dhabi T10 will stay familiar for supporters. "Our proposition for the tournament remains unchanged: high-intensity 10-over matches, international star power, together with a dynamic international broadcast product that will continue evolving for modern global audiences. We are now focused on elevating the Abu Dhabi T10 from a successful cricket event to a proud sporting asset for Abu Dhabi and our family of team owners. "

Abu Dhabi T10 global profile, media impact and format

The 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 boosted its global reach, reflecting strong interest in the short format. An independent GSIQ report measured media value at US $512 million and logged 687 million worldwide social media impressions. Fast matches, simple rules and strong entertainment appeal have helped Abu Dhabi position itself as a central venue for T10 cricket.

The tournament is known for drawing leading international players and producing tense finishes in compressed games. Many fans appreciate the format's speed and accessibility compared with longer cricket versions. These strengths support Abu Dhabi's aim to host events that appeal both to local spectators and to television audiences across different markets.

Abu Dhabi T10 metric (2025)	Value
Media value	US $512 million
Global social media impressions	687 million

Abu Dhabi T10 2026 schedule, franchises and cricket authorities

The first full Abu Dhabi T10 under the new model will be the 2026 edition. Matches are scheduled from 7-20 November at Zayed Cricket Stadium. Eight franchises and potential new owners will be invited to take part. Tournament officials plan a formal 'Invitation To Tender' stage, with further information to follow.

Emirates Cricket Board welcomed the updated framework supporting Abu Dhabi T10 and wider cricket in the country. "The Emirates Cricket Board supports the new framework of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub, now in place for the Abu Dhabi T10," said Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman, Emirates Cricket Board. Al Zarooni highlighted the format's place in the global calendar.

Khalid Al Zarooni added that the Abu Dhabi T10 is now well placed to support cricket in the UAE. "The tournament has established itself as an innovative format within the global cricket calendar and, under this structure, is well-positioned to continue contributing to the UAE's sporting landscape. We remain focused on ensuring that all sanctioned competitions operate to the highest regulatory and professional standards in support of the game's long-term development in the country. "

Abu Dhabi T10 ownership transition, brand future and local ambitions

Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman - Mulk International, described the shift in ownership and management as a significant step. "This represents an important step in the continued evolution of the iconic T10 brand," said Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman - Mulk International. Shaji Ul Mulk expressed confidence that the new setup provides the required structure and institutional backing.

Shaji Ul Mulk said the revised approach should help Abu Dhabi T10 achieve stronger growth and relevance. "I am thrilled with the partnership and confident that the Abu Dhabi T10 now has the structure, expertise, and institutional backing required to realise its full potential. I believe this transition positions the Abu Dhabi tournament for a new phase of exciting growth, strengthened ownership, and enhanced global relevance. I look forward to seeing it advance decisively to the next level. "

For Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub, the agreement adds another major event to a busy multi-sport site. The organisation describes itself as the region's leading community sports hub, now aiming to increase global impact. The Abu Dhabi T10 fits with long-term plans to combine community participation, elite sport and international tourism in one location.

Matt Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub and newly confirmed CEO of Abu Dhabi T10, praised the tournament's creator. "The Abu Dhabi T10 was born out of Shaji's bold ambition and has grown into one of the world's coolest cricket properties," said Matt Boucher, CEO, ADCSH and the newly confirmed CEO of Abu Dhabi T10. Boucher said the new structure will support the next stage of development.

Boucher outlined priority areas that Abu Dhabi T10 leaders intend to address under local control. "We absolutely love the event and are incredibly excited at putting in place the foundations for its next stage of growth to ensure we reach the highest summit possible. We know there is important work ahead across several key pillars: strengthened governance, improved player structuring and a more decisive and enhanced commercial and broadcast platform. These foundations will allow the event to flourish in a unique destination while supporting Abu Dhabi's wider tourism and sporting ambitions. "

As franchise talks advance under the revised framework, officials in Abu Dhabi describe the Abu Dhabi T10 as an event with an established record and fresh backing. They stress that the league's legacy is secure while long-term growth plans, institutional support and clear governance aim to give the ten-over format a stable base in the emirate.