Emirates Eagles have officially joined the Abu Dhabi T10 league, showcasing a powerful cricket team led by West Indies star Rovman Powell as captain. The franchise, owned by Maverick Sports and Entertainment, also features renowned international coach Mickey Arthur and notable signings Trent Boult and Shimron Hetmyer.
The Eagles are set to make their debut at the Zayed Cricket Stadium from November 7 to 20, aiming for success in cricket’s fastest format. With an experienced leadership group and a roster brimming with international talent, the team has made a strong statement about its competitive ambitions in the upcoming tournament.
Powell, one of the most destructive power-hitters in the global franchise game, will lead the side, while former South Africa, Australia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka Head Coach Mickey Arthur will oversee its cricketing strategy. New Zealand left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult brings proven wicket-taking quality with both the new ball and at the death, while explosive West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer adds further firepower. The combination of Rovman Powell, Mickey Arthur, Trent Boult and Shimron Hetmyer gives them an outstanding cricketing foundation, while the ownership group brings the long-term commitment we want to see from our franchises. “As we shape this new era of the Abu Dhabi T10, we want teams with strong identities, world-class talent, and the appetite to grow alongside the tournament. Emirates Eagles bring all three, and I am looking forward to seeing what they can deliver in November. Maverick Sports and Entertainment brings together Annam Satish Prabhakar, Classic Investments, Kondaveeti Durga Pavan Kumar, Bonam Suryaprakash, Annam Kusumkiran and Allada Ashok Vardhan. The consortium views its entry into the Abu Dhabi T10 as a major step in expanding its presence in franchise cricket, with the long-term goal of developing Emirates Eagles into a competitive and commercially sustainable global sporting brand. Our ambition is to create a franchise that combines success on the field with a strong, distinctive brand that can connect with cricket fans in the UAE and internationally. “We have put together an exceptional leadership group and secured players who understand what it takes to perform at the highest level of franchise cricket. With Mickey guiding the team and Rovman leading on the field, supported by players of the calibre of Trent and Shimron, we believe we have the foundations to make a strong impression from our very first season. Powell’s experience across international and franchise cricket will be central to that challenge, with the West Indies star renowned for his ability to change the course of a game through aggressive middle-order hitting.
Matt Boucher, CEO of both the tournament and its owners Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH) said: “Emirates Eagles arrive with an exciting vision for what they want to build, both on and off the field. Annam Satish Prabhakar, Managing Director of Emirates Eagles, said: “We are entering the Abu Dhabi T10 with a long-term plan for Emirates Eagles.
