The Abu Dhabi T10 is preparing for a major reboot, with the Abu Dhabi government taking a controlling stake in the league and making stability, stronger governance and long-term franchise ownership its key priorities.
The competition, which is approaching its 10th season, has attracted several high-profile international cricketers since its launch in 2017. However, frequent changes in franchise ownership, concerns over player payments and corruption-related cases have made stability a major challenge.
The new government-backed structure is intended to address those problems and establish the Abu Dhabi T10 as a sustainable annual cricket property.
Abu Dhabi T10 seeks a fresh start
The Abu Dhabi T10 was launched in 2017 by UAE businessman Shaji ul Mulk and became the world's first major professional franchise competition built around the 10-over format.
The tournament quickly attracted international stars and generated significant attention because of its explosive format. However, its progress has been accompanied by considerable instability.
Between six and 10 teams have participated in different editions, while as many as 18 franchises have appeared in the league over the years. Frequent changes in ownership have made it difficult for teams and the competition itself to develop long-term identities.
The league has also faced serious integrity challenges.
In 2023, eight individuals associated with one franchise were charged by the ICC for corruption-related breaches connected with an earlier season. More recently, USA player Akhilesh Reddy was handed an eight-year ban after being found guilty of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code during last season's competition.
Concerns over player payments have also affected the league's reputation in the past.
Abu Dhabi government takes controlling stake
The Abu Dhabi government has now acquired a controlling stake in the competition through the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub.
The move is designed to provide the league with institutional backing and greater stability after years of frequent ownership changes.
Abu Dhabi Sport Council CEO Matt Boucher acknowledged that decisions taken by previous third-party franchise owners had sometimes negatively affected the Abu Dhabi brand.
The government-backed structure is therefore expected to place greater emphasis on governance, integrity and long-term planning.
The objective is not simply to organise another season of T10 cricket, but to build a competition capable of becoming a permanent fixture on Abu Dhabi's sporting calendar.
Long-term franchise ownership is the priority
One of the biggest changes under the new structure will be the approach to franchise ownership.
Organisers want owners who are prepared to make long-term commitments rather than investors who enter the competition for only one or two seasons.
"We want regular team owners, we want long-term contracts," Boucher said, highlighting the importance of continuity in building a successful sporting event.
A new bidding process is already underway, with Deloitte overseeing the process to identify potential franchise owners.
The hope is that a stable ownership structure will allow teams to develop stronger brands, build fan bases and make longer-term commercial and sporting plans.
IPL franchise owners could be interested
The Abu Dhabi T10 could also benefit from growing interest among established franchise cricket investors.
Boucher confirmed that there has been communication with owners and investors from South Asia, including individuals familiar with the IPL ecosystem.
Several IPL franchise owners have already expanded into overseas leagues, including the ILT20 in the UAE. Their potential involvement in the Abu Dhabi T10 could bring additional commercial expertise and global reach to the competition.
While the bidding process is being conducted independently, interest from established franchise investors is being viewed as a positive signal for the league's new direction.
Abu Dhabi wants a major cricket event of its own
The government's involvement is also part of a broader ambition to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as an international sporting destination.
The UAE already hosts major cricket events, while the ILT20 has established itself as a prominent franchise competition in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi now wants the T10 to become a major annual event within its own winter sporting calendar.
The city's sporting schedule already includes the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, giving the T10 an opportunity to become another significant attraction.
The organisers believe a successful cricket league could complement those events while giving Abu Dhabi a distinct franchise cricket property.
No immediate expansion planned
Despite the ambitious plans, organisers are not looking to expand the competition immediately.
The most recent edition featured eight teams, and there are currently no plans to move beyond that number.
There are also no immediate plans to create a wider competition involving neighbouring markets such as Dubai or Saudi Arabia.
Instead, the focus over the next few years will be on improving the existing tournament.
Boucher said the organisers have identified several areas that need attention, particularly around governance and the overall structure of the event.
Only after those areas are addressed will expansion become a realistic possibility.
Abu Dhabi T10 enters an important new era
The Abu Dhabi T10's upcoming 10th season represents an important opportunity for the competition.
The tournament pioneered professional T10 cricket and has succeeded in attracting major international names, but its long-term development has been held back by instability and off-field concerns.
Government-backed ownership could now provide the foundation for a different future.
With a new franchise bidding process, a focus on long-term ownership and greater emphasis on governance, Abu Dhabi is attempting to transform the T10 from an unpredictable franchise tournament into a stable annual sporting property.
If the new model succeeds, the Abu Dhabi T10 could emerge from its reboot with a stronger identity and a more sustainable place in the increasingly crowded global franchise cricket landscape.
