Defending champions UAE Bulls have become the first franchise confirmed for the revamped Abu Dhabi T10 ahead of this year’s tournament at Zayed Cricket Stadium.
The 2026 competition will run from November 7 to 20 in Abu Dhabi, with further franchise announcements expected before the start of the tournament.
UAE Bulls have secured their place under the competition’s new long-term franchise structure following an invitation to bid process run by Deloitte.
Andy Flower will lead the side as head coach, while former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo will continue as bowling coach and mentor.
Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub has taken majority ownership and management of the tournament, with support from Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The competition remains sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board.
The changes follow the Bulls’ first Abu Dhabi T10 title in 2025.
Tim David hit an unbeaten 98 from 30 balls as the Bulls scored 150 for one before restricting Aspin Stallions to 70 for four in the final at Zayed Cricket Stadium. The 80-run victory secured the franchise’s first title.
It completed a significant turnaround from the previous season.
The franchise traces its history back to Bengal Tigers, who competed in the first two editions of the T10 competition in Sharjah. The team became Delhi Bulls ahead of the tournament’s move to Abu Dhabi in 2019.
Delhi Bulls reached the playoffs in 2024 and beat UP Nawabs and Team Abu Dhabi before losing to Morrisville Samp Army in Qualifier 2.
They returned the following year as UAE Bulls and went on to win the title.
Owner Neelesh Bhatnagar said the franchise had backed the T10 format since its early years and wanted to continue its involvement under the tournament’s new structure.
“We have believed in T10 cricket and its potential from the beginning, so we are extremely proud that the UAE Bulls will be the first founding franchise confirmed,” Bhatnagar said.
“Winning the title in 2025 was an incredibly special moment for everyone associated with the UAE Bulls.”
Flower will now oversee their title defence after continuing his association with the franchise.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every visit to Abu Dhabi for the ADT10 over the years, and my connection with the Bulls has grown stronger throughout that time,” Flower said.
“We have some very special memories from last season, and we’re excited to return as defending champions and be part of the relaunched Abu Dhabi T10.”
The Bulls are the first team confirmed under the new franchise arrangements, with the rest of the 2026 line-up still to be announced.
