16 West Indies stars set to feature in Abu Dhabi T10, with Pollard, Pooran and Russell in focus

West Indies players who once made their name in Test cricket have adapted fully to the shorter formats. The mention of West Indies today recalls explosive batting and all-round play. In national colours or in a league, the game is not the same without them. These players are now ready to make an impact in the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 league.

The league will be played between November 7 and 20 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. Sixteen West Indies stars will take part across the league's six franchises. Of the tournament's six icon players, four were signed before the draft, and all four are Caribbean players. This shows their importance in the shorter format. Their power hitting makes the league more exciting.

Mumbai Indians of the IPL (Indian Premier League) recently made Kieron Pollard their head coach. Though he is a coach in the IPL, Pollard still sets other leagues alight with the bat. This time he will be keen to establish his dominance at defending champions UAE Bulls.

Among the other teams, Jason Holder is with Lions. Nicholas Pooran will captain Royal Desert Champions, while Rovman Powell has been given charge of Emirates Eagles. Arabian Aces signed Andre Russell, the biggest name among all-rounders, before the draft. United Tigers have spent well on fast bowler and all-rounder Odean Smith.

T10 is a format in which only 60 balls are bowled in an innings. Every franchise therefore wants players who can hit fours and sixes in a flurry from the start. Several players hold personal records in this format.

Pooran scored the most runs in 2022 and won the Man of the Series award. Captaining Deccan Gladiators, he made 345 runs, including 31 sixes. He then led a team to another title in 2024. His 137 sixes are the most in Abu Dhabi history.

Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein is now part of Lions. He has a memorable performance in T10 to his name. In Qualifier 1 of the 2023 season, he took 5 wickets for just 6 runs, including a hat-trick.

Beyond their headline signings, the franchises have also invested heavily in Caribbean players. UAE Bulls have retained Pollard, Sunil Narine and Romario Shepherd from the title-winning side. They have also spent well on Andre Fletcher.

Royal Desert Champions have kept Sherfane Rutherford, Brandon King and Keemo Paul alongside Pooran. At Emirates Eagles, Shimron Hetmyer will back Powell. Arabian Aces and Yas Lions have strengthened their fast bowling with Alzarri Joseph and Obed McCoy respectively.