Sharjah Warriorz complete squad for ILT20 Season 5 after auction
Sharjah Warriorz have finalized their 23-member squad for ILT20 Season 5, featuring big signings like Richard Gleeson and Mohammad Nabi.
The Sharjah Warriorz have officially finalized their roster for the upcoming fifth season of the International League T20 (ILT20), assembling a powerhouse 23-member squad designed for championship glory.
Following the conclusion of the Season 5 Player Auction in Dubai, the franchise has successfully blended seasoned international superstars with promising local talent from the UAE. Under the leadership of newly appointed Head Coach Adrian Birrell, the team looks poised to become a dominant force in the tournament.
Big Money Moves: Gleeson and Nabi Lead the Charge
The auction period saw the Warriorz make several high-profile moves to bolster their depth. England's experienced pace bowler Richard Gleeson emerged as the franchise's most significant acquisition, commanding a price of USD 180,000. His arrival brings much-needed T20 expertise to the bowling unit.
Not far behind was the legendary Afghan veteran Mohammad Nabi, who joined the ranks as the second-largest signing at USD 140,000. The squad also welcomes back Adil Rashid, a familiar face who returns to the Warriorz setup to provide world-class spin options.
The team's core, which was secured prior to the auction, remains formidable with the inclusion of:
- James Vince
- Adam Milne
- Waqar Salamkheil
- Sikandar Raza
A Spin-Heavy Strategy and Tactical Depth
One of the most striking aspects of the new squad is its overwhelming strength in the spin department. The Warriorz have curated a group of specialists capable of choking opposition scoring in any conditions. The spin arsenal includes:
- Waqar Salamkheil
- Adil Rashid
- Sikandar Raza
- Mohammad Nabi
- George Linde
Head Coach Adrian Birrell noted that the goal was to create a squad capable of adapting to any match situation. "We wanted to come out of the auction with a squad that gives us options in every situation," Birrell stated. "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 squad's versatility is further enhanced by all-rounders such as Paul Walter, Craig Overton, and George Linde, alongside wicketkeeper-batters Tom Banton and James Rew, ensuring the middle and lower-middle orders remain explosive.
Investing in the Future: UAE Talent Integration
While the international names grab the headlines, the Sharjah Warriorz are also looking toward the future of cricket in the region. The franchise has integrated four UAE U19 players into the main squad, ensuring a strong local presence and providing young talent with the opportunity to learn from global icons.
Kshemal Waingankar, COO of Sharjah Warriorz, expressed satisfaction with the team's composition, noting that the balance of experience and versatility will provide the coaching staff with the flexibility needed to navigate various playing conditions.
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.