Cricket fever has officially arrived in the capital, and it came with a star-studded splash. A day before the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 kicks off, some of the biggest names in world cricket lit up Zayed Cricket Stadium as teams gathered for the season curtain-raiser.

The stadium buzzed as global icons and fan favourites from all eight franchises, including Kieron Pollard, Faf du Plessis, Angelo Mathews, Sam Billings, Thisara Perera, Nicholas Pooran and Moeen Ali, came together to set the tone for what promises to be the most explosive edition yet.

Pollard, representing the UAE Bulls, summed up the mood perfectly: “It’s great to see local talent growing, and playing alongside them in this tournament is something special.”

Moeen Ali, captaining the Ajman Titans, praised the UAE’s rising cricket stature: “The UAE has become a global cricket hub. The facilities are world-class, and the passion is real. Tournaments like the Abu Dhabi T10 put UAE cricket on the map.”

What’s Coming Up This Season?

Beginning November 18, fans can expect 12 action-packed days featuring 32 matches in cricket’s fastest format, 10 overs, 90 minutes, pure adrenaline.

The opening showdown?
Newcomers Quetta Qavalry vs Northern Warriors, followed by Deccan Gladiators vs UAE Bulls.

“The UAE has always felt like home. I’ve been playing here since I was very young, and the atmosphere never fails to inspire,” said Nicholas Pooran, leading the Gladiators.

Format and Playoffs

The tournament follows a round-robin format, with all teams facing each other across 28 group matches.
Top four teams earn their place in the playoffs:

• Qualifier 1 & Eliminator: November 29
• Qualifier 2 & the Grand Final: November 30

All matches take place at the iconic Zayed Cricket Stadium, known for its pace-friendly outfield and electric crowd energy, ideal for big hits and quick-fire cricket.

Global Broadcast

The Abu Dhabi T10 will be everywhere this year, with coverage across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean, MENA, UK, North America, Europe, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe across major TV and OTT platforms.

• India: Fancode
• Afghanistan: Ariana TV
• Pakistan: A Sports, ARY ZAP
• USA & Canada: Sling TV – Willow TV 
• UK and Ireland: Sky Sports
• South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
• MENA: Cricbuzz

Whether you’re watching from your couch or cheering from the stands, this year’s T10 promises fireworks, fierce competition, and some seriously fun cricket.