Moeen Ali to lead Arabian Aces as Abu Dhabi T10 begins new era

New ownership and five new teams

The 2026 tournament will feature 32 matches between six teams at Zayed Cricket Stadium, ending with the final on November 20. Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) has taken over ownership and management, with support from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Emirates Cricket Board.

Defending champions UAE Bulls, who won the 2025 title, are the only franchise returning from the previous era. Five new owners have joined the league, with Arabian Aces, Emirates Eagles, Royal Desert Champions, United Tigers and Yas Lions completing the field. The overhaul is intended to establish a dependable, long-term structure with clear team identities.

Pankaj Jain and Neeraj Jain co-own the Aces, whose coach is former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener. Alongside Moeen, the squad includes Liam Livingstone, Andre Russell, Imran Tahir and Sam Billings.

"T10 in Abu Dhabi has always been good. I think it's only getting stronger," Moeen said. "I think these new teams would be great for the competition because they needed a change. Everyone's excited and happy that this happened."

Why Moeen chose the UAE

For Moeen, 39, the Emirates offers a family lifestyle that fits his cultural and religious needs. He joins cricketers including Brett Lee, Robin Uthappa and Alex Hales in making the UAE his base.

"I love it here. I think it's an amazing place. It's very central. Amazing weather, amazing facilities. A great lifestyle for family. I find it very peaceful," he told The National. He cited the ready availability of mosques and halal food, as well as safety for his children.

That sense of security was tested when Iran launched drones and missiles at the start of the war in late February, prompting interceptions by UAE air defenses. Moeen said the experience frightened his children. He also returned to England, where he has family who were worried about events.

He nevertheless said the UAE government's handling of the crisis reassured him and reinforced his choice of home. "It was scary for the kids, but we were in safe hands," he said.

Coaching alongside a busy playing schedule

The Abu Dhabi competition follows Moeen's recent appearance in the Nepal Premier League. His next commitments are the DP World ILT20 and the Afghan Premier League, the latter also taking place in the UAE later this year. A short break will precede the Pakistan Super League, followed by the T20 Blast in the UK.

The ODI and T20 World Cup winner also worked with the England Lions coaching staff earlier this year. He has expressed an ambition to coach at the highest international level, preferably in England, and sees no need to wait until his playing career ends to gain experience.

"Every player should be coaching while he is playing. It helps the game, helps the mindset," he said. "Just whenever I'm free, I'll coach. When I am not free, I'll be playing."

Backing Brook, questioning Rashid's omission

Moeen played alongside Harry Brook in England's 2022 T20 World Cup-winning team. Brook has since developed into a leading batter across formats and England's white-ball captain, but his leadership has brought mixed results. England won convincingly against India at home in T20s and ODIs earlier this year before struggling in Pakistan.

In the October 2026 ODI tri-series, England lost three of four matches and were eliminated with a game to spare. Even Brook's record innings against Sri Lanka could not secure a victory: he scored 202, reaching England's first ODI double-century in 114 balls, the fastest in the format.

Moeen described the setbacks as part of Brook's learning process as captain and pointed to his continued run-scoring. He was less supportive of the decision to leave out Adil Rashid. The leg-spinner took 1 for 55 in eight overs in the opening loss to Pakistan, then missed England's last two ODIs for tactical reasons, with left-arm spinner Liam Dawson preferred.

"I think not playing Adil Rashid was a big mistake, personally, but I see what they're trying to do," Moeen said.

England's off-field incidents

Asked about England's discipline, Moeen rejected the suggestion that the team had a drinking culture, while acknowledging that he did not know all the details of the incidents.

Brook was involved in a nightclub altercation in New Zealand last year. During the subsequent Ashes in Australia, Ben Duckett was filmed looking disheveled in the street. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were involved in another nightclub incident this year.

Moeen said the players had learned from their mistakes and were more aware of their responsibilities. "I don't think there's a drinking culture. I don't know the ins and outs. But I don't think there is a drinking culture. I think they just lapsed a little bit."