After the Season 5 Player Auction concluded in Dubai, Sharjah Warriorz have finalised their squad for the fifth season of the DP World ILT20. The team is a well-rounded combination of emerging UAE talent and proven international experience. The Warriorz have assembled a 23-member squad that is more than capable of mounting a serious challenge for the trophy, with newly appointed Head Coach Adrian Birrell at the helm.
The team had already secured James Vince, Adam Milne, Waqar Salamkheil, and Sikandar Raza in the pre-auction window, thereby establishing a robust core of proven match-winners. The franchise enhanced its squad by acquiring Richard Gleeson, Mohammad Nabi, Paul Walter, and Adil Rashid at the auction. Additionally, it expanded the depth and versatility of its batting and all-rounder departments.
The Sharjah Warriorz’ most significant acquisition was the English pacer Richard Gleeson, who contributed a wealth of T20 experience to the team for a fee of USD 180,000. Mohammad Nabi, an Afghanistan veteran, was the second-largest acquisition at USD 140,000. Adil Rashid, who had previously represented the franchise, returned to the Warriorz establishment.
The Warriorz have also developed substantial depth by incorporating experienced campaigners, including Paul Walter, Craig Overton, George Linde, George Dockrell, Logan van Beek, and Brandon McMullen, as well as wicketkeeper-batters Tom Banton and James Rew. In addition to offering flexibility with both bat and ball, the additions provide the team with a variety of batting options in the middle and lower-middle order.
The Warriorz squad possesses a formidable group of spin options, including Waqar Salamkheil, Adil Rashid, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Nabi, and George Linde. Spin is another significant asset of the team. Linde, a left-arm spinner from South Africa, also contributes an additional dimension to the attack under South African coach Birrell. The combination is particularly well-suited to the conditions at Sharjah Warriorz’s home stadium.
The franchise has concurrently prioritised the development of the next generation by incorporating four UAE U19 players into the squad. The Warriorz’s UAE representation will be fortified by the young local contingent, which will complement the experienced international core.
Also Read : Gulf Giants’ Simon Helmot Reveals ILT20 Auction Plan
Sharjah Warriorz are currently focused on developing team chemistry and preparing for the forthcoming ILT20 Season 5 campaign, as they boast a diverse roster that includes established international names, T20 specialists, versatile all-rounders, and burgeoning UAE talent.
Sharjah Warriorz Complete 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
Riya Malhotra writes detailed cricket analysis covering player performances, match statistics, pitch conditions, and team strategies. Her goal is to make complex cricket topics simple and engaging for readers.
