Five cricketers have been granted UAE citizenship through naturalisation in a landmark development for the country’s cricket structure, according to a report by The National. The move introduces a direct pathway to national team eligibility and signals a structural shift in how the UAE builds its international squad, moving beyond a system historically reliant on residency criteria.
Naturalisation marks first for UAE cricket
Khuzaima Tanveer, Ajay Kumar, Akshdeep Nath, Harpreet Singh Bhatia and Adeeb Usmani have become the first cricketers to receive UAE citizenship in this manner. All five are part of a 17-player squad currently in Nepal for two T20 internationals followed by a Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series, underlining the immediate impact on national selection.
While athletes in sports such as football, rugby and judo have previously benefited from citizenship pathways introduced under a 2018 presidential framework, cricket had remained largely dependent on expatriate players qualifying through residency until now.
Eligibility pathway shifts from residency to nationality
For years, UAE selection was shaped by the International Cricket Council’s residency requirement, where players became eligible after a sustained period living in the country. With citizenship now granted, qualification is instead tied to nationality through passport status, providing a faster and more definitive route into international cricket.
This transition expands the Emirates Cricket Board’s options, allowing it to integrate players who have already developed within the domestic system without waiting for eligibility timelines to conclude.
Domestic structure underpins player progression
The pathway taken by players like Ajay Kumar highlights the role of the UAE’s domestic ecosystem in preparing talent for international opportunities. His development has come through club and domestic cricket within the country, supported by a structured environment around the national setup. “From the day I landed in the UAE, it was my dream to represent the country at the international level,” Ajay Kumar told The National.
That progression has been reinforced by consistent support and exposure within the system. “They have been looking after us really well. The management has been supportive throughout the whole journey,” he added, before noting, “I am grateful to the board and all the cricket fraternity. I am really excited to represent this country and do well for them.”
Franchise exposure strengthens readiness
Khuzaima Tanveer’s rise reflects the growing influence of UAE-based franchise competitions in shaping international prospects. Having featured in tournaments such as the ILT20 and Abu Dhabi T10, he has gained experience alongside global players, accelerating his readiness for national selection. “If you get this opportunity to represent your country, it is a feeling that is out of this world for any player,” Khuzaima Tanveer told The National.
His progression through domestic and franchise cricket has also provided a consistent platform for development. He added, “I have played UAE domestic cricket for the past three years and have played the past two seasons of ILT20 and Abu Dhabi T10.”
Experienced additions add depth
Alongside emerging players, the inclusion of Akshdeep Nath and Harpreet Singh Bhatia brings significant experience from the Indian domestic circuit. Nath has played more than 200 matches across formats, scoring over 6,500 runs, while Bhatia has featured in close to 300 games with more than 11,700 runs, alongside appearances in the Indian Premier League.
Their presence adds immediate depth to the squad, strengthening the batting group and providing a blend of experience and adaptability within a developing system.
Strategic shift in squad building
The naturalisation of players reflects a broader evolution in the UAE’s cricket strategy. By combining citizenship-based eligibility with its existing residency framework, the board now has greater flexibility in assembling competitive squads while maintaining a pipeline of players developed within the country.
