The Abu Dhabi T10 league is entering a phase of transformation as it nears its tenth season, with the Abu Dhabi government securing a controlling stake through the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub. This move aims to professionalize the event and address historical challenges that have plagued the league since its inception in 2017 by UAE-based businessman Shaji ul Mulk.
The league, which pioneered the 10-over format, has faced significant reputational hurdles, including integrity concerns and player payment disputes. Most recently, USA cricketer B Akhilesh Reddy was handed an eight-year ban for violating the ICC's anti-corruption code during the previous season. Furthermore, the league has struggled with instability, having hosted as many as 18 different teams over the years, with franchise ownership frequently changing. Matt Boucher, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Sport Council, noted that the government could no longer overlook the negative impact that third-party team owners were having on the Abu Dhabi brand.
By taking majority ownership, the government intends to integrate the tournament into the city's broader winter sports calendar, which already features high-profile events like the F1 race and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. The league is currently working with Deloitte to oversee a bidding process for new team owners, with final bids expected this week. Boucher emphasized the goal of securing long-term contracts to move away from the current model of one-to-two-year rotating agreements, which he believes is essential for the league's credibility.
While the process is independent, Boucher acknowledged interest from investors in South Asia, including potential outreach from IPL franchise owners who are already involved in other global T20 leagues. Despite these efforts to stabilize the competition, there are currently no plans to expand the tournament beyond eight teams or to form partnerships with neighboring entities in Dubai or Saudi Arabia. Boucher stated that the immediate priority is to improve internal governance over the next three years before considering any further expansion.
Constant and often swift changes in franchise ownership have not helped build the identity of a league played by anything between six and ten teams over the years – other than the eight that played last season, as many as 18 teams have taken part over the years.
"We've definitely got enough on our plates at the moment to enhance the governance and where we want to get to with the event," Boucher said. "We know we've got five or six areas to improve. And if we can nail all of those then that might be something in the future, but certainly not in the next three years."
