PaperGlitch
Published on 10/21/2025
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Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025 Draft: A Spectacle of Swift Selections and Star Power
Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025 Draft: A Spectacle of Swift Selections and Star Power :
The cricketing world recently turned its attention to the UAE as the Abu Dhabi T10 League held its highly anticipated player draft for the 2025 season. This rapid-fire format, known for its explosive action and quick games, saw franchises meticulously craft their squads in a live-streamed event that captivated fans globally. The draft, which concluded on Saturday, October 18, 2025, marked a pivotal moment for the upcoming ninth edition of the tournament, solidifying the rosters for all eight competing teams.
With the tournament scheduled to run from November 18 to 30, 2025, at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the draft was crucial for teams to secure a blend of international heavyweights, seasoned veterans, and promising emerging talents. The strategic decisions made during this event are expected to lay the groundwork for what promises to be another thrilling display of T10 cricket, showcasing the fastest format of the sport.
The Eight Contenders: New and Familiar Faces in the Fray :
The 2025 season welcomes a dynamic lineup of eight teams, combining established franchises with fresh entrants eager to make their mark. Returning fan favorites like Delhi Bulls, Northern Warriors, and Deccan Gladiators are joined by five exciting new teams: Ajman Titans, Vista Riders, Royal Champs, Aspin Stallions, and Quetta Qavalry.
This expansion injects new energy and competition into the league, promising a diverse range of strategies and team compositions. Each franchise was given the opportunity to build a squad of up to 19 players, ensuring depth and versatility for the demanding T10 format.
Icon Players: The Pillars of Each Franchise :
A cornerstone of the Abu Dhabi T10 League's draft strategy is the selection of an 'Icon Player' for each team, around whom the rest of the squad is built. These marquee players bring not only exceptional skills but also invaluable leadership and star power to their respective franchises. For the 2025 season, the list of Icon Players features some of the biggest names in international cricket.
Faf du Plessis leads the Vista Riders, while Jason Roy takes the helm for Royal Champs. Moeen Ali steps in as the Icon for Ajman Titans, and Rovman Powell continues his association with Delhi Bulls. Liam Livingstone is the formidable Icon for Quetta Qavalry, Shimron Hetmyer spearheads the Northern Warriors, Sam Billings guides the Aspin Stallions, and Nicholas Pooran is the explosive Icon for Deccan Gladiators. These selections highlight the global appeal and competitive nature of the league, attracting top-tier talent from around the world.
Top Picks and Category Selections: Unpacking the Squads :
Beyond the Icon Players, the draft saw teams strategically pick players across various categories to create balanced and formidable squads. The Delhi Bulls, for instance, bolstered their ranks with Phil Salt (Platinum), Kieron Pollard (Global Legend), and a strong contingent of Category A players including Tim David, Sunil Narine, Blessing Muzarabani, Romario Shepherd, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
The Northern Warriors secured Shimron Hetmyer as their Icon, supported by Trent Boult (Platinum) and Thisara Perera (Global Legend), alongside key Category A players like Johnson Charles, Colin Munro, and Azmatullah Omarzai. Quetta Qavalry built a strong side around Liam Livingstone, with Jason Holder (Platinum) and Mohammad Amir (Global Legend) adding significant firepower. These early picks set the tone for the entire draft, as franchises aimed to secure a blend of explosive batters, crafty bowlers, and dynamic all-rounders.
Pakistani and Sri Lankan Contingents Shine Bright :
The 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 League draft also saw a significant representation of talent from Pakistan and Sri Lanka, underscoring the league's global reach and appeal. Eight Pakistani players were snapped up by four franchises, with rising fast bowler Ali Raza making his international franchise debut for Deccan Gladiators, joined by experienced left-arm seamer Mir Hamza.
Other notable Pakistani picks included Akif Javed, spinner Usman Tariq who had an exceptional CPL season, and pace sensation Zaman Khan. Shahnawaz Dahani also found a spot with the Northern Warriors. Similarly, fourteen Sri Lankan cricketers were selected to feature in the tournament, with Dilshan Madushanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Asitha Fernando, and Isuru Udana among those picked by various teams, showcasing a strong Sri Lankan presence.
Looking Back at 2024: A Precursor to Growth :
While the focus is squarely on the 2025 season, it's worth noting the continued growth of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, which saw significant expansion in its 2024 edition. The seventh season, held from November 21 to December 2, 2024, featured an impressive 10 franchises and saw over 1,000 players register for the draft.
Two new teams, Bolts Ajman and UP Nawabs, joined the league in 2024, contributing to its status as the largest season at the time. The league consistently attracts a star-studded lineup, with the 2024 edition featuring names like Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Marcus Stoinis, Lockie Ferguson, and Rashid Khan, further solidifying its position as a premier T10 competition.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect from Abu Dhabi T10 2025 :
With the draft successfully concluded, all eyes are now on the pitch as teams prepare for the high-octane action of the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025. The finalized squads, a mix of explosive hitters, strategic bowlers, and dynamic fielders, are set to deliver a fortnight of exhilarating cricket. The league's commitment to showcasing both established international stars and promising regional talent ensures a compelling spectacle for fans worldwide.
The unique T10 format, recognized by the International Cricket Council, promises fast-paced matches, dramatic finishes, and an abundance of cricketing fireworks. As the countdown to November 18 begins, the excitement is palpable for what promises to be another memorable chapter in the history of the Abu Dhabi T10 League.