Pakistan born – UAE cricket team captain Muhammad Waseem has expressed hope that Indian cricket fans will support the UAE team during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and India.
Speaking to the media during the captains’ event in Sri Lanka, Muhammad Waseem responded to a question from Times of Karachi regarding fan support in India.
He said that Indian crowds are known for their passion and love for cricket, and the UAE team hopes to receive their encouragement during the mega event.
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“The Indian crowd is very passionate. We hope they will support us in the World Cup. We will try our best not to disappoint them,” Waseem said.
The UAE captain called it a proud and emotional moment to lead his country in the T20 World Cup for the first time. He added that leading from the front brings extra responsibility and requires smart decision-making on and off the field.
“It is an exciting and proud moment for me to captain UAE in the T20 World Cup 2026. I have to think wisely because I am leading the team,” he added.
Final squads announced for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
While talking about the ILT20 league, Muhammad Waseem said that playing alongside senior international players has been a valuable experience for UAE cricketers. He believes the exposure will help the team perform better in the World Cup.
“Our players are very talented. Playing with senior players is a big thing for the team. I hope our players will perform well in the World Cup,” he said.
Waseem refused to name individual players, saying that every player in the squad is a match-winner. He stressed that team selection will depend on conditions and match requirements.
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“T20 cricket is full of surprises. We have already beaten big teams like New Zealand and Afghanistan in the past. Our mindset is to go game by game,” he said, adding that the team is eagerly looking forward to their opening match against New Zealand.
On UAE’s impact on world cricket, the captain said the team has performed well against Test nations, associate teams, and in bilateral series. He confirmed that the UAE team is entering the World Cup with proper planning and preparation, especially keeping Indian pitch conditions in mind.
“We are here with a complete plan. We will try our best against Test-playing nations,” Muhammad Waseem concluded.
It is worth noting that before representing the UAE, Muhammad Waseem started his cricket career in Pakistan, where he played domestic cricket and honed his skills as an aggressive top-order batsman.
He featured in Pakistan’s domestic circuit and gained valuable experience competing in competitive regional tournaments.
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His early years in Pakistan played an important role in shaping his aggressive batting style and strong work ethic, which later became his trademark at the international level.
Waseem also participated in domestic leagues and club cricket, where his consistent performances earned him recognition.
His exposure to Pakistan’s competitive cricket environment helped him adapt to high-pressure situations and different playing conditions.
This background proved crucial when he later moved to the UAE and transitioned into international cricket, bringing with him experience, discipline, and a deep understanding of the game developed during his time in Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure.
Where to Watch T20 World Cup 2026 in Pakistan:
Tapmad will stream the T20 World Cup 2026, allowing cricket fans to watch all the live action through its website and mobile application.
