Moeen Ali: UAE Now a Top Global Cricket Destination Ahead of Abu Dhabi T10
<h2><strong>UAE a Top Cricketing Destination, Moeen Ali Says Ahead of Abu Dhabi T10</strong></h2><p>The UAE continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most attractive cricketing hubs, and ahead of the Abu Dhabi T10’s latest edition, star all-rounder <strong>Moeen Ali</strong> has declared that the nation has firmly arrived on the global cricket map. As the captain of the Ajman Titans and a long-time supporter of the T10 format, Moeen believes the country’s infrastructure, fan engagement, and hosting capability have made it a preferred destination for players and franchises alike.</p><p>The 2025 edition of the <strong>Abu Dhabi T10</strong> begins on <strong>November 18</strong>, featuring eight teams, a packed playing schedule, and a long list of international cricket legends ready to take the field at the iconic <strong>Zayed Cricket Stadium</strong>. The opening match sees <strong>Quetta Qavalry</strong> take on <strong>Northern Warriors</strong>, followed by defending champions <strong>Deccan Gladiators</strong> facing off against <strong>Delhi Bulls</strong>.</p><h2><strong>Moeen Ali: “The UAE is truly a global cricket hub now”</strong></h2><p>Speaking ahead of the tournament, Moeen Ali praised the UAE for continuously elevating its cricketing ecosystem.</p><blockquote><p>“The UAE has truly become a global cricket hub,” Moeen said. “The facilities are world-class, the structure is strong, and the passion grows every single year. Tournaments like the Abu Dhabi T10 show how far the country has come in hosting top-level cricket. It’s exciting to be part of something that showcases UAE cricket to the world.”</p></blockquote><p>The former England all-rounder added that the pace at which the tournament has grown — drawing big names from multiple countries — reflects the trust players have in the UAE’s hosting standards.</p><h2><strong>Star-Studded Lineup Gathers in Abu Dhabi</strong></h2><p>Ahead of the tournament launch, top legends and marquee players gathered at Zayed Cricket Stadium for media and promotional events. Some of the biggest names in the T10 franchise ecosystem were present, including:</p><p><strong>Kieron Pollard</strong> – UAE Bulls</p><p><strong>Thisara Perera</strong> – Northern Warriors</p><p><strong>Angelo Mathews</strong> – Royal Champs</p><p><strong>Faf du Plessis</strong> – Vista Riders</p><p><strong>Sam Billings</strong> – Aspin Stallions</p><p><strong>Nicholas Pooran</strong> – Deccan Gladiators</p><p><strong>Moeen Ali</strong> – Ajman Titans</p><p><strong>Thisara Periera</strong> – Quetta Qavalry</p><p>Their presence reaffirms the tournament’s rising global appeal and highlights its role in drawing world-class talent to the Middle East.</p><h2><strong>Rise of Local UAE Talent</strong></h2><p>While international stars often steal the spotlight, many players emphasised how the Abu Dhabi T10 has opened doors for <strong>homegrown UAE cricketers</strong>.</p><p>Kieron Pollard spoke enthusiastically about the opportunities now available to local players.</p><blockquote><p>“It’s fantastic to see local UAE talent rising,” Pollard said. “Being part of this tournament alongside emerging UAE players is something special. I’m looking forward to playing with the likes of Rohid and others who are making their mark.”</p></blockquote><p>The tournament has become a platform for UAE cricketers to rub shoulders with legends, accelerate their learning, and gain high-level match exposure — something that contributes significantly to the country’s cricketing development.</p><h2><strong>Fastest Format, Biggest Excitement</strong></h2><p>The Abu Dhabi T10 is known as <strong>cricket’s fastest official format</strong>, with matches lasting just 90 minutes and each team batting for 10 overs. Over the course of <strong>12 action-packed days</strong>, fans can expect:</p><p><strong>32 matches</strong></p><p>Explosive batting</p><p>High-scoring finishes</p><p>Rapid tactical decisions</p><p>Back-to-back doubleheaders</p><p>The opening day sets the tone with a clash between new entrants Quetta Qavalry and Northern Warriors, followed by a fiery contest between Deccan Gladiators and UAE Bulls.</p><p>Nicholas Pooran, captain of the Deccan Gladiators, shared how emotionally connected he feels to the UAE.</p><blockquote><p>“I’ve always loved playing here,” Pooran said. “I’ve been visiting the UAE since I was very young. The atmosphere, the conditions, the fans — everything feels like home. Playing cricket here brings back special memories every time.”</p></blockquote><h2><strong>Tournament Format and Playoff Roadmap</strong></h2><p>The Abu Dhabi T10 will follow a round-robin format. Each team competes against all others in the league stage, resulting in <strong>28 group matches</strong>. At the end of the round-robin phase, the top four teams on the points table qualify for the playoffs.</p><h3><strong>Playoff Schedule</strong></h3><p><strong>Qualifier 1 (1st vs 2nd):</strong> Saturday, November 29</p><p><strong>Eliminator (3rd vs 4th):</strong> Same day</p><p><strong>Qualifier 2:</strong> Sunday, November 30 — winner of Eliminator vs loser of Qualifier 1</p><p><strong>Final:</strong> Sunday, November 30 — the winners of Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2 battle for the championship</p><p>This structure ensures that the tournament remains competitive until the very last ball, allowing teams multiple chances to secure a spot in the final.</p><h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2><p>As the Abu Dhabi T10 prepares to bowl off its newest season, the excitement is skyrocketing — not only because of the star players involved but also because of what the tournament represents for cricket’s future in the UAE. With global icons praising the country’s world-class facilities and rising local talent, the UAE continues to solidify its standing as one of the premier cricketing destinations in the world.</p>