Abu Dhabi assumes majority ownership of T10 League to anchor global ambitions
By Nawaz Gohar ; Abu Dhabi has officially transformed “Cricket’s Fastest Format” into a fully-fledged national sporting asset.
The Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) announced on Wednesday that it has assumed majority ownership and absolute control of the commercial rights for the Abu Dhabi T10. This structural pivot effectively transitions the high-octane tournament from an independently run event into a state-backed, capital-managed competition.
The strategic takeover is fully cushioned by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and carries the regulatory blessing of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB). The upcoming edition, locked in for November 7 to 20, 2026, at the iconic Zayed Cricket Stadium, will serve as the maiden voyage under this sophisticated new framework.
The transition signals a shift away from the traditional, personality-driven franchise models toward institutional governance—a move designed to give the league long-term global credibility.
“This is a strategic evolution of the tournament,” explained His Excellency Aref Al Awani, Chairman of the Board at ADCSH and General Secretary of the ADSC. “It signals strengthened governance, institutional credibility, and a clear global growth strategy for the sport’s fastest format. We are now focused on elevating the Abu Dhabi T10 from a successful cricket event to a proud sporting asset for Abu Dhabi and our family of team owners.”
While the core entertainment product—high-intensity 10-over blocks, international superstar rosters, and a rapid broadcast pace—will remain intact, the financial machinery behind it is being completely overhauled.
Under the new regime, the league will feature eight revamped franchises. To align with Abu Dhabi’s strict corporate transparency standards, the league is launching an official “Invitation To Tender” (ITT) process, opening up the bidding floor to elite international corporate consortiums and prospective ownership groups.
Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to this upgrade. “We remain focused on ensuring that all sanctioned competitions operate to the highest regulatory and professional standards in support of the game’s long-term development in the country,” Al Zarooni stated.
The architecture of this deal represents a harmonious transition. Shaji Ul Mulk, the visionary Chairman of Mulk International who originally birthed the T10 concept, expressed immense confidence in handing over the reins to sovereign management.
“I am thrilled with the partnership,” Shaji Ul Mulk remarked. “I believe this transition positions the Abu Dhabi tournament for a new phase of exciting growth, strengthened ownership, and enhanced global relevance.”
The day-to-day operations will now be spearheaded by Matt Boucher, the CEO of ADCSH, who steps into the dual role of tournament CEO. Boucher noted that while the property is already “one of the world’s coolest cricket properties,” the state infrastructure will fix historical vulnerabilities.
“We know there is important work ahead across several key pillars,” Boucher asserted frankly. “Strengthened governance, improved player structuring, and a more decisive, enhanced commercial and broadcast platform. These foundations will allow the event to flourish while supporting Abu Dhabi’s wider tourism and sporting ambitions.”
By absorbing the T10 league into its sovereign sports portfolio, Abu Dhabi is sending an unambiguous message to the cricketing world: the experimental phase of 10-over cricket is officially over. The corporate era has begun.
