The Abu Dhabi T10 has announced the addition of the Arabian Aces as a new franchise for the 2026 tournament. The team is led by a consortium headed by British entrepreneur Pankaj Jain and global entrepreneur and investor Neeraj Jain. The Arabian Aces will make their debut at the Zayed Cricket Stadium from November 7-20. The franchise has assembled a star-studded squad, including former England all-rounder and World Cup winner Moeen Ali as Icon and Captain.
Moeen Ali will be joined by West Indies powerhouse Andre Russell and England international Liam Livingstone to form a formidable squad core. Former South Africa international Lance Klusener, a destructive all-rounder with extensive coaching experience, takes charge as Head Coach. The Arabian Aces' arrival marks a new era for the Abu Dhabi T10 under the ownership of Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH). The 2026 tournament will feature a refreshed franchise line-up and some of the biggest names in short-format cricket.
The UAE Bulls and the Royal Desert Champions have already been confirmed for the November showdown, with more announcements expected ahead of the September 30 Official Player Draft in Abu Dhabi. Matt Boucher, CEO of ADCSH and the Abu Dhabi T10, expressed excitement about welcoming the Arabian Aces, citing their outstanding leadership group and calibre of players and coaching expertise.
Pankaj Jain, founder and CEO of Aaseya, a global technology services company, brings almost three decades of experience building global businesses, brands, and high-performance teams. He stated that the Arabian Aces represent an exciting new chapter, with an ambition to create a professionally managed franchise with a strong identity and a culture built around performance, ambition, and teamwork.
Neeraj Jain, with over 23 years of experience across technology, real estate, hospitality, and strategic investments, will help shape the franchise's development on and off the field. He emphasized the aim to build a franchise with its own character, a commitment to excellence, and a long-term presence in Abu Dhabi. The Arabian Aces have appointed Shoeb Ahmed as Chief Operating Officer to oversee operational, commercial, and partnership activities.
The Arabian Aces' challenge will be led by Moeen Ali, whose international cricket experience will be complemented by Andre Russell and Liam Livingstone, two players well-suited to the fast-paced demands of the T10 format. Russell is a recognised destructive all-rounder, while Livingstone brings attacking batting and spin-bowling options to the line-up.
Further player announcements are expected as the Arabian Aces complete their squad. The franchise's addition to the Abu Dhabi T10 is seen as a significant move, with Matt Boucher stating that they will add a hugely exciting dimension to the 2026 edition. The Arabian Aces are expected to bring a new level of competition to the tournament.
Key points
- The Arabian Aces have assembled a star-studded squad, including Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, and Liam Livingstone.
- The franchise is led by a consortium headed by Pankaj Jain and Neeraj Jain.
- The Abu Dhabi T10 will take place from November 7-20 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
