Sports

Building a franchise from scratch: Shehzad shares how Royal Champs are finding their identity

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2 months ago

November 27, 2025

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As Royal Champs continue their inaugural campaign in the Abu Dhabi T10, Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Shehzad says the franchise is focused on long-term building rather than short-term outcomes, with head coach Courtney Walsh playing a central role in keeping the squad motivated through a challenging debut season.

Shehzad, who has featured in more than 150 international matches across formats, said Walsh’s experience has been instrumental in helping the group remain grounded. “On paper, our team is very good, and our team is also good on the ground. Our efforts remain the same. Our coach and captain both motivate us,” he said. “In every team meeting, they focus on the small mistakes – where one moment could have changed the game. They do it to keep the team’s morale high. Otherwise, we can only try; the result is not in our hands.”

Franchise Looks to the Future

With Royal Champs entering the league as a new franchise, Shehzad said the project is designed to grow season by season. “It’s a new franchise team. It will take time, but it will get better year by year,” he noted. “Our management is good. We fulfil all the requirements of the team.”

The squad features established international names including Shakib Al Hassan, Jason Roy, Aaron Jones and Isuru Udana, giving the side a diverse mix of experience and styles. “We have players from all over the world. We all sit together and talk about the match. The team atmosphere is very good,” Shehzad said.

Abu Dhabi Feels Like Home

With the UAE having hosted several of Afghanistan’s training camps and international fixtures in recent years, Shehzad said playing in Abu Dhabi carries a sense of familiarity. “It’s an unbelievable place for sports. We used to have many camps here. This is like our home ground, so it feels good to return,” he said. “The atmosphere, the facilities – the academy, the stadium, the smaller grounds – I’ve been playing here for a long time. It really feels like home.”

Recovery Between Matches

With a tight schedule and games often less than a day apart, the team has prioritised recovery as a critical part of its preparation. “We have about 18–20 hours between matches in which we recover through swimming, physio, and exercise. After doing all that, we recover and come back ready,” he said.

As Royal Champs work to establish their identity in franchise cricket’s shortest format, Shehzad believes the team’s foundations are being laid with patience and purpose. “There is a lot of life left to travel,” he said with a smile when asked about exploring Abu Dhabi. For now, the focus remains firmly on the cricket – and on building something that lasts beyond one tournament.

Related Topics:abudhabi abudhabit10 CourtneyWalsh CricketNews cricketuae MohammedShehzad RoyalChamps T10League

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Sports

T20 World Cup 2026: STARTRADER named official partner of UAE national cricket team

Published

3 days ago

January 16, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE Men’s National Cricket Team is heading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a major boost, as STARTRADER has been announced as its Official Partner for the global tournament.

The renewed partnership means STARTRADER’s branding will feature on the official UAE team jerseys throughout the World Cup, which kicks off on February 7, 2026, across India and Sri Lanka.

The agreement was signed in Dubai on Wednesday, January 14, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations, including Emirates Cricket Board COO Subhan Ahmad, ECB Board Member Zayed Abbas, STARTRADER CEO Peter Karsten, and UAE Men’s Captain Muhammad Waseem.

STARTRADER CEO Peter Karsten said the collaboration builds on the company’s earlier sponsorship of the UAE team during the Asia Cup, but with an even stronger commitment this time around.

“We know that cricket has a way of reminding us what commitment, trust and growth can achieve,” Karsten said.

“Continuing this partnership reflects our belief in long-term support for communities and in the human spirit driving both the game and the markets.”

He added that the partnership mirrors STARTRADER’s core values, where trust in strategy and teamwork plays a vital role in achieving sustainable growth, whether on the pitch or in global markets.

STARTRADER is regulated by five international authorities, including the SCA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA and FSC, reinforcing its focus on transparency, trust and long-term growth for its clients.

Emirates Cricket Board COO Subhan Ahmad welcomed the renewed partnership, describing it as a relationship that goes beyond sport.

“We are delighted to welcome STARTRADER as our Official Partner for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” he said.

“This partnership reflects shared values of discipline, focus and resilience, and aligns perfectly with our vision as the UAE team continues to perform on the world stage.”

Sports

Dubai named permanent opening city for new global beach volleyball series

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4 days ago

January 15, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai is about to serve up something big on the global sports stage. The Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has announced Dubai as the permanent opening destination of its brand-new international championship, the Beach World Series, which will launch for the first time in November 2026.

The announcement was made during the World Sports Summit, following the signing of a five-year strategic partnership between the Dubai Sports Council and FIVB, a move that further cements Dubai’s reputation as a leading host of major global sporting events.

A new model for global sport

Under the agreement, Dubai will become the first city in the world to host a permanent opening stop of the Beach World Series, setting a new benchmark for global championships that combine elite competition with entertainment, culture, and fan engagement.

The series introduces an innovative format that blends high-level beach volleyball with music, interactive experiences, and a vibrant beach atmosphere, offering something beyond traditional sporting events.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of senior officials from the Dubai Sports Council, with signatures from Guido Betti, Chief Business Officer of Volleyball World, and Eisa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council.

Ten global destinations

The Beach World Series will span 10 international destinations, each bringing its own identity and local flavour to the competition. Dubai’s role as the opening city positions it at the heart of this global journey, showcasing beach volleyball as both an elite sport and a shared cultural experience.

Additional host cities are expected to be announced in the coming months as the Beach World Series expands across globally recognised sports and entertainment hubs.

Sports

Trophies, belts and cash prizes: Inside the ILT20 Season 4 grand finale

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2 weeks ago

January 6, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Fireworks, flair and firsts, DP World ILT20 Season 4 delivered a finale to remember as the Desert Vipers lifted their maiden title, crushing MI Emirates by 46 runs at a packed Dubai International Stadium.

While the trophy glittered, the spotlight also shone brightly on the league’s iconic signature belts, with star performances keeping fans guessing right up to the final ball.

Leading the charge was Desert Vipers captain Sam Curran, who produced a season for the ages, sweeping both the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) and the Green Belt (Best Batter). Calm under pressure and devastating with the bat, Curran’s unbeaten 74 in the final sealed the Vipers’ historic triumph and underlined his status as the league’s standout performer.

The Vipers walked away not just with silverware but a $700,000 winners’ purse and the Black Belt, while runners-up MI Emirates earned $300,000 for another strong campaign.

Red Belt: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers)

Curran piled up 397 runs, while snapping seven wickets, taking 10 catches and finishing with a tournament-high 691 points. It was dominance, delivered with leadership.

Green Belt: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers)

With 397 runs at a strike rate of 135, Curran topped the batting charts, smashing 17 sixes and proving clutch when it mattered most.

White Belt: Waqar Salamkheil (Dubai Capitals)

Spin wizard Waqar Salamkheil claimed the bowling honours with 18 wickets at an economy of 7.66, earning his second White Belt in ILT20 history.

Blue Belt: Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates)

UAE stalwart Muhammad Waseem continued his incredible run, securing the Blue Belt for a fourth straight season after scoring 370 runs at a strike rate of 132.

With unforgettable moments, top performances, and a champion crowned, DP World ILT20 Season 4 once again proved why it’s one of the most exciting T20 leagues in the world of cricket.