Royal Desert Champions have been confirmed as the latest franchise to join the Abu Dhabi T10 cricket tournament, which enters a new phase under Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) stewardship.
The team draws inspiration from the people who have made the UAE their home, embodying the spirit of ambition, achievement and possibility. Reflecting this ethos, Trinidadian cricketer Nicholas Pooran has been appointed captain and Icon player of the franchise. England international Phil Salt and West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford have also been signed directly, forming an experienced core of short-format specialists.
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These signings highlight the Royals Desert Champions’ ambitions ahead of their debut in the 2026 Abu Dhabi T10, scheduled to take place from November 7 to 20 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Pooran, recognised as a leading talent among
Pooran, recognised as a leading talent among the West Indies’ T20 generation, represented West Indies in limited-overs cricket until 2024 and previously captained the national side. Salt is an aggressive right-handed opening batter with international and domestic experience, while Rutherford is a powerful all-rounder combining middle-order batting and medium-pace bowling, having competed in leagues such as the CPL, IPL, PSL, BPL, ILT20 and MLC.
The team’s identity reflects the resilience and adaptability of the desert environment. Founded by entrepreneur and former banker Amit Narang, who has over 17 years’ experience at international banks in India and the UAE and has established a successful fintech business, the franchise aims to establish a lasting legacy.
Amit Narang stated: “Royal Desert Champions is built on the belief that champions are revealed when conditions are toughest. The desert embodies the qualities we want this team to stand for – resilience, courage, adaptability, and ambition. As the first new founding team of this new Abu Dhabi T10 era, we have the opportunity to create something distinctive from the ground up – a team that the emirate can be proud of, a brand that connects with fans locally and globally, and a franchise with the ambition to build a lasting legacy. With Nicholas leading us, supported by outstanding players such as Phil and Sherfane, we have an exciting core around which to build. We are here to compete, to win and to create something that endures.”
Former India international all-rounder Robin Singh has been
Former India international all-rounder Robin Singh has been appointed team director. Singh, with extensive playing and coaching experience including his long association with Mumbai Indians and success in T10 and ILT20 formats, will oversee the sporting operations.
Singh commented: “Having been closely associated with the Abu Dhabi tournament format over the years, I am delighted to continue my journey with the Royal Desert Champions. I look forward to building around our strong core a quality and competitive team capable of making an immediate impact in the Abu Dhabi T10.”
Matt Boucher, CEO of ADCSH and the Abu Dhabi T10, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Royal Desert Champions to the Abu Dhabi T10. Bringing together a strong regional identity with world-class international talent is exactly the kind of ambition we want to see as the competition continues to grow. The new team ownership has set out a clear direction for the team, and they are already assembling an impressive combination of leadership, experience, and international talent. With Robin guiding the sporting operation and Nicholas, Phil and Sherfane providing such a solid early foundation on the field, it will be exciting to see how the Royal Desert Champions take shape ahead of November.”
The Royal Desert Champions will continue to build their squad and sporting structure as preparations advance for the 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 Official Player Draft, scheduled for September 30 in Abu Dhabi.
Source: thenewsmill.com
