Abu Dhabi T10 eyes fresh start as government-backed ownership targets long-term stability

After years of ownership changes and integrity concerns, the Abu Dhabi T10 is preparing for an overhaul ahead of its tenth season

The Abu Dhabi T10 is preparing for a major reset as it approaches its tenth season, with new ownership and stronger governance expected to form the foundation of the league's next phase.

The tournament, launched in 2017 by UAE businessman Shaji ul Mulk, was the first major competition to adopt the T10 format. Despite attracting several high-profile international players over the years, the league has struggled to establish consistent stability and has faced a series of integrity-related controversies.

The latest development is the Abu Dhabi government's acquisition of a controlling stake in the competition through the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub.

Integrity concerns have damaged the league

The T10 has faced several corruption-related problems in recent years.

In 2023, the ICC charged eight individuals associated with one of the franchises for breaches of its anti-corruption regulations relating to an earlier season.

More recently, USA player B Akhilesh Reddy received an eight-year ban after being found guilty of violating the ICC's anti-corruption code during the previous edition.

The league has also previously faced criticism over player payment issues, adding to concerns surrounding its overall administration.

Frequent changes in franchise ownership have further complicated matters. Across its history, as many as 18 different teams have participated in the competition, although last season featured eight franchises.

Government ownership aims to change the direction

According to Abu Dhabi Sport Council CEO Matt Boucher, the government's decision to take control was partly driven by the need to protect the city's reputation.

Boucher said decisions made by third-party franchise owners had previously created problems that negatively affected the Abu Dhabi brand.

The government now wants to create a more stable structure, with franchise owners expected to make longer-term commitments rather than entering short-term arrangements.

"We want regular team owners, we want long-term contracts," Boucher said, stressing that the league does not want to operate through one- or two-year agreements that repeatedly force the competition to change direction.

New franchise owners being sought

A major bidding process is already underway to bring new investors into the competition.

The process, being overseen by Deloitte, is expected to reach the final-bid stage this week.

The league is particularly interested in attracting established franchise groups capable of providing long-term stability. There has also been interest from investors and owners connected to the South Asian cricket market, including groups associated with IPL franchises.

Boucher said interest from established cricket owners would provide confidence that Abu Dhabi is building the league in the right way.

Abu Dhabi wants its own major cricket property

The restructuring is not only about addressing the league's past problems.

Abu Dhabi also wants the T10 to become a flagship sporting event within the city's winter calendar.

The UAE already hosts major international cricket and the ILT20 in Dubai, while Abu Dhabi's sporting calendar also features globally recognised events such as Formula 1 and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

A successful and professionally managed T10 competition would give the capital its own major cricket property.

No expansion plans for now

Despite the restructuring, the organisers are not currently looking to make the tournament bigger.

The league will remain at eight teams, with no immediate plans to expand into Dubai or collaborate with neighbouring markets such as Saudi Arabia.

For now, the priority is improving governance and strengthening the existing competition.

Boucher said the organisers have identified several areas that need improvement and want to address those issues before considering any expansion.

The goal is therefore not rapid growth, but stability first.

If the new ownership structure can deliver stronger governance, dependable franchise partnerships and greater financial and operational consistency, the Abu Dhabi T10 could enter its second decade with a much stronger foundation than it had during its first nine seasons.

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