News DeskDubai, UAE – Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), has extended heartfelt congratulations to the UAE national cricket team following their successful qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The national side sealed their spot with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Japan in their final Super Six match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025, held in Muscat on Thursday.
The victory confirmed the UAE’s third appearance at the global T20 showpiece, which will be jointly staged in India and Sri Lanka in February–March 2026. The UAE previously competed in the tournament in 2014 (Bangladesh) and 2022 (Australia).
The team finished the Super Six stage with a commendable six points, having secured two wins in the current round and carrying over two points from their group-stage win against Qatar.
Sheikh Nahyan, in his capacity as ECB Chairman, praised the team’s achievement in Muscat, highlighting the character shown by the players.
“I am pleased to extend my congratulations to our national team and the technical and administrative staff on this proud achievement in Muscat. Our players embodied discipline and determination, and Emirates Cricket continues its steady progress from strength to strength,” Sheikh Nahyan said.
He emphasized that this achievement marks a significant high point for the sport in the nation, coming off the back of a “creditable Asia Cup appearance” earlier this year.
The Minister noted that the success aligns with the UAE’s national focus on youth and sports, championed by the country’s leadership.
“Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, the nation places youth and sport as a national priority and continues to enhance the UAE’s standing on the global sporting stage,” he stated.
Sheikh Nahyan affirmed that such sporting triumphs reflect the nation’s “bright image as a home of excellence and leadership, a hub that nurtures talent, and a beacon of teamwork, tolerance, and coexistence.”
Looking ahead to the World Cup, the ECB Chairman reiterated the board’s commitment to ensuring the team is optimally prepared.
“The Emirates Cricket Board has ensured best-in-class training facilities and preparation programs for the players, and we will continue to invest in developing our national team and its upcoming plans to guarantee the highest levels of readiness for this world event,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the squad, he added: “I am confident our players will compete strongly against the world’s best and deliver performances worthy of the UAE and its people. We wish the team every success at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.”
The Emirates Cricket Board is set to coordinate with the technical and administrative staff to announce the team’s preparation program, which will include domestic and overseas camps and warm-up matches in the coming months.
