Following the conclusion of the Season 5 Player Auction in Dubai, Sharjah Warriorz assembled a well-rounded roster for the fifth season of the DP World ILT20, combining established international experience with up-and-coming UAE talent. The Warriorz have put together a 23-man team that is more than capable of making a significant run for the championship under the direction of recently hired head coach Adrian Birrell.
In the pre-auction window, the squad had previously acquired Waqar Salamkheil, Sikandar Raza, Adam Milne, and James Vince, building a solid core of match-winners. Richard Gleeson, Mohammad Nabi, Paul Walter, and Adil Rashid were added to the team at the auction, giving it more depth and versatility in both the batting and all-rounder categories.
At USD 180,000, England pacer Richard Gleeson was the Sharjah Warriorz’s largest acquisition. Gleeson brought a wealth of T20 experience to the team. At USD 140,000, Mohammad Nabi, an Afghanistan veteran, was the second-largest acquisition, while Adil Rashid, who had previously represented the Warriorz, rejoined the team.
Along with wicketkeeper-batsmen Tom Banton and James Rew, the Warriorz have also added a great deal of depth with seasoned players like Paul Walter, Craig Overton, George Linde, George Dockrell, Logan van Beek, and Brandon McMullen. The additions provide the team flexibility with both bat and ball and a variety of batting options through the middle and lower middle order.
“We aimed to emerge from the auction with a team that offers us choices in every circumstance.” In addition to having seasoned players who have played a lot of Twenty20 cricket, we have ensured that our batting depth and all-around talent are sufficient to provide us with a variety of combinations. Adrian Birrell, head coach of the Sharjah Warriorz, stated, “The important thing now is to unite everyone and create a clear identity around how we want to play.”
With Waqar Salamkheil, Adil Rashid, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Nabi, and George Linde offering a powerful array of spin options, spin is another significant asset of the Warriorz team. Under South African coach Birrell, Linde, a left-arm spinner, brings another dimension to the attack. The combination is especially well-suited to the conditions at the Sharjah Warriorz’s home field.
Four UAE U19 players have joined the team as part of the franchise’s concurrent focus on the next generation. The Warriorz’s UAE representation will be strengthened by the youthful local contingent, which will balance the seasoned international core.
“The balance we have attained makes us very pleased. Every member of the team has adaptability and experience. Kshemal Waingankar, COO of Sharjah Warriorz, stated, “We have a group of players that will allow coach Adrian Birrell and the coaching staff to build combinations around the different playing conditions and match situations.”
With a mix of well-known foreign players, T20 experts, adaptable all-rounders, and up-and-coming UAE talent, Sharjah Warriorz are currently focused on fostering team unity and getting ready for the forthcoming ILT20 Season 5 campaign.
Sharjah Warriorz Full Squad
Sikandar Raza, James Vince, Mohammad Waqar Salamkheil, Adam Milne, Tanish Suri, Junaid Siddique, Ali Aamer Naseer, Adil Rashid, Mohammad Nabi, Richard Gleeson, George Linde, Paul Walter, Nabeel Aziz, George Dockrell, Brandon McMullen, Arjunraj Selvaraj, Mohammad Saqib, Craig Overton, James Rew, Tom Banton, Logan van Beek, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Fareed Malik
