Head coach Lance Klusener expressed confidence in his squad's ability to excel in the explosive T10 format.
Arabian Aces completed their squad assembly on October 1, 2026, following the draft conducted in Abu Dhabi. The franchise, owned by a consortium headed by Pankaj Jain and Neeraj Jain, will compete in the Abu Dhabi T10 from November 7 to November 20 at Zayed Cricket Stadium. The squad includes pre-signed international stars Moeen Ali, Andre Russell and Liam Livingstone, alongside draft picks Sam Billings, Imran Tahir and Richard Gleeson among others.
Head coach Lance Klusener expressed confidence in the assembled group's prospects in the short-format competition. The former South Africa all-rounder outlined the qualities required to succeed in the T10 format and highlighted the strengths of his playing group.
"The plan was always to go with a squad that could do their job both up top and pull off games for us with the ball if it comes down to that. T10 is an explosive format and is nothing like any of these players have played before barring here. You need innovation and serious problem solving skills and I’m confident that the squad is full of boys who will put their hand up and make it happen for Arabian Aces. It’s the perfect formula to excel in a T10 format and we can’t wait to get started," Klusener said as per a release.
What the T10 format demands from Arabian Aces
The T10 format, with its 10-overs-a-side structure, demands rapid decision-making and adaptability from players accustomed to longer formats. Klusener's emphasis on innovation and problem-solving reflects the unique demands of a competition where traditional cricket approaches may not always apply. The compressed nature of the format requires teams to balance aggressive batting with disciplined bowling, a balance Klusener believes his squad can achieve.
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Lance Klusener's squad for the Abu Dhabi T10 2026
The final Arabian Aces squad comprises: Moeen Ali (Captain), Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone, Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Arfan, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Richard Gleeson, Sam Billings, Paul Walter, Alzarri Joseph, Imran Tahir, Salman Irshad, Quentin Sampson, Dwaine Pretorius, Vriitya Aravind, Ibrahim Masood, Amshi D'Silva and Dunith Wellalage.