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Key Takeaways
- 1🏏 Muhammad Waseem confirmed as UAE captain for the two-match T20I series against Ireland in Dubai
- 2📅 Matches scheduled for January 29 (6:30 pm) and January 31 (10:00 am) local time
- 3🌏 Both teams will travel to the subcontinent for the 2026 T20 World Cup after this series
- 4⚠️ UAE and USA are the only two World Cup participants yet to announce their official tournament squads
- 5🏆 UAE face New Zealand, Canada, and Afghanistan in Group D, while Ireland play Sri Lanka, Australia, and Oman in Group B
"UAE play two T20Is against Ireland on January 29 and 31"
Muhammad Waseem Named UAE Captain for Ireland T20I Series Ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup
The United Arab Emirates have confirmed Muhammad Waseem as their captain for the upcoming two-match T20I series against Ireland in Dubai. This bilateral assignment serves as crucial preparation for both nations ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Match Schedule and Venue Details
The T20I series will be played entirely in Dubai, with the first match scheduled for January 29 at 6:30 pm local time and the second encounter set for January 31 at 10:00 am local time. These matches provide both teams with valuable competitive cricket before they embark on their World Cup campaigns in the subcontinent.
UAE's World Cup Journey Awaits
Following the Ireland series, UAE will travel to India for their T20 World Cup fixtures. Placed in Group D, the Emirates face a challenging schedule:
- February 10: vs New Zealand in Chennai
- February 13: vs Canada in Delhi
- February 16: vs Afghanistan in Delhi
Notably, UAE remains one of only two teams—alongside USA—yet to announce their official T20 World Cup squad, adding intrigue to their preparations.
Ireland's World Cup Campaign
Ireland, meanwhile, will head to Sri Lanka after the Dubai series. The Irish side is placed in Group B and will play all their first-round matches in Colombo:
- February 8: vs Sri Lanka at Premadasa Stadium
- February 11: vs Australia at Premadasa Stadium
- February 14: vs Oman at Sinhalese Sports Club
Tournament Format Overview
The 2026 T20 World Cup features 20 teams divided into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group advance to the Super Eight round, where eight qualifiers will be split into two groups of four. The top two finishers from each Super Eight group will then progress to the semi-finals.
UAE Squad for Ireland T20I Series
Muhammad Waseem has a balanced squad at his disposal featuring a mix of experience and emerging talent:
Full Squad: Muhammad Waseem (capt), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Basil Hameed, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan, and Simranjeet Singh.
Looking Ahead
This bilateral series represents a significant opportunity for both UAE and Ireland to fine-tune their strategies and combinations before the global showpiece. For Muhammad Waseem, leading his side in these home conditions against quality opposition will be invaluable preparation for the challenges that await in India. The outcomes of these matches could influence final squad selections and playing XI considerations for both nations as they chase T20 World Cup glory.
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