Sharjah Warriorz have finalised a 23‑player squad for the fifth season of the DP World ILT20, blending seasoned internationals with promising UAE talent after the Season 5 player auction in Dubai. Under new head coach Adrian Birrell, the franchise has built a versatile group poised to challenge for the title.
The franchise had earlier signed James Vince, Adam Milne, Waqar Salamkheil and Sikandar Raza in the pre‑auction window, forming a solid core of proven match‑winners. The subsequent auction added Richard Gleeson, Mohammad Nabi, Paul Walter and Adil Rashid, boosting depth and versatility in both batting and all‑round departments.
England pace bowler Richard Gleeson became the Warriors’ biggest acquisition at a fee of USD 180,000, bringing extensive T20 experience. Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi followed as the second‑most expensive signing at USD 140,000, while Adil Rashid rejoined the squad after a previous stint with the franchise.
To fill out the squad, Sharjah Warriorz added seasoned campaigners Paul Walter, Craig Overton, George Linde, George Dockrell, Logan van Beek and Brandon McMullen, together with wicket‑keeper‑batters Tom Banton and James Rew. These signings give the side depth in the middle and lower orders and provide batting‑and‑bowling flexibility.
“We wanted to come out of the auction with a squad that gives us options in every situation. We have experienced players who have played a lot of T20 cricket, but we have also made sure there is depth in our batting and enough all‑round ability to give us different combinations. The key now is to bring everyone together and build a clear identity around how we want to play,” said Adrian Birrell, Head Coach, Sharjah Warriorz.
Spin forms a key pillar of the Warriorz attack, with Waqar Salamkheil, Adil Rashid, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Nabi and George Linde delivering a potent spin arsenal. Linde, a left‑arm spinner from South Africa, adds another dimension to the attack, complementing the squad under coach Adrian Birrell, whose style fits the conditions at the franchise’s home ground.
Sharjah Warriorz have also invested in the future, naming four UAE under‑19 players in the squad. These young locals will complement the seasoned internationals and enhance the franchise’s UAE representation.
“We are very happy with the balance we have achieved. There is experience and versatility throughout the squad. We have a set of players that will give coach Adrian Birrell and the coaching staff the flexibility to build combinations around the various playing conditions and match situations,” said Kshemal Waingankar, COO, Sharjah Warriorz.
A mix of established internationals, T20 specialists, versatile all‑rounders and emerging UAE talent gives Sharjah Warriorz a solid foundation. The focus now shifts to forging team chemistry and finalising preparations for ILT20 Season 5.
Sharjah Warriorz Full 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