Key points
- Player claims targeted due to Pakistani origin
- Claims Indian-origin management targeted him
- Calls for official investigation by board
- Controversy shadows UAE World Cup campaign
DUBAI: United Arab Emirates cricketer Mohammed Zohaib has publicly alleged that his removal from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad was influenced by his Pakistani origin, after the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed he was sent home for breaching team discipline.
The ECB announced on Monday that Zohaib had been recalled to Dubai due to disciplinary issues, adding that further details would be shared at a later stage. However, Zohaib has strongly contested the board’s stance, claiming the decision was discriminatory.
In a statement, Zohaib alleged that the team management is composed entirely of individuals of Indian origin and said he was singled out because he is Pakistani. He has called on the ECB to launch a formal investigation into the matter, insisting he was treated unfairly and denied due process.
Internal team dynamics
The controversy has emerged on the eve of the UAE’s opening fixture of the tournament, adding an unexpected distraction to the squad’s preparations. Zohaib’s claims have fuelled debate over internal team dynamics and transparency within the setup, though the ECB has not responded directly to the allegations.
The UAE, captained by Mohammad Waseem, are scheduled to begin their T20 World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Chennai. The squad includes experienced campaigners such as Alishan Sharafu, Junaid Siddique and Rohid Khan.
The Gulf side qualified for the 20-team tournament by defeating Japan at the Asia & East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Oman. They will also face Canada, Afghanistan and South Africa in the group stage.
Zohaib’s exclusion and subsequent allegations have placed the ECB under scrutiny as the tournament gets under way.
UAE squad
Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan and Simranjeet Singh.
