Emirates Eagles have named Rovman Powell as captain and Mickey Arthur as head coach ahead of their first season in the Abu Dhabi T10.
The new franchise will join the competition when it returns to Zayed Cricket Stadium from November 7 to 20, with New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult and West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer also confirmed as direct signings.
Their arrival follows the confirmation earlier this month that defending champions UAE Bulls would return as the first franchise announced for the revamped 2026 tournament.
Arthur brings considerable international experience to Abu Dhabi. The South African has previously coached South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as working with a number of domestic and franchise sides.
He will oversee the Eagles’ cricket operation, with Powell leading the team on the field.
Powell has played extensively in franchise cricket around the world and is well suited to the shortened format, where his middle-order power will be a key part of the Eagles’ batting.
“There is something special about joining a new franchise at the beginning of its journey because you can help create its identity from day one.”
“T10 cricket demands confidence, clarity and the willingness to take the game on.”
The Eagles have also secured two experienced international players in Boult and Hetmyer.
Boult gives the new side a proven left-arm fast-bowling option, while Hetmyer adds another powerful West Indies batter to a line-up already featuring Powell.
Matt Boucher, chief executive of Abu Dhabi T10 and Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, said the four appointments gave the new franchise a strong starting point.
“The combination of Rovman Powell, Mickey Arthur, Trent Boult and Shimron Hetmyer gives them an outstanding cricketing foundation,” Boucher said.
Emirates Eagles are owned by Maverick Sports and Entertainment. Former Indian first-class cricketer Sandeep Yara has been appointed chief operating officer, while Nabeel Hashmi joins as team director after three years as team manager of Deccan Gladiators.
The 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 will be the first full edition staged under the tournament’s new structure, following Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub taking majority ownership and control of its commercial rights earlier this year.
