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Just hours before the UAE’s opening match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, a massive controversy has erupted. The UAE team management has sent opener Mohammad Zohaib back to Dubai. The reason? According to Zohaib, he was removed specifically because he is Pakistani.
The Allegation: “Kicked Out For Being Pakistani”
Zohaib has made shocking claims against the team management. He alleges that the entire management staff is from India and that they targeted him due to his nationality. Consequently, he was forced to leave the squad right before the tournament commenced.
The cricketer has not taken this lightly. He has officially demanded a thorough investigation into the matter from the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).
Official Stance vs. Reality
However, the Emirates Cricket Board tells a different story. They officially state that the decision to send Zohaib back to Dubai is based solely on “disciplinary violations”.
The board has refused to comment further at this stage. They promised that further details regarding the incident will be released in due course. As of now, the player is out, and the allegations remain unaddressed by the management in India.
T20 World Cup Campaign Begins Amidst Chaos
This scandal hits at the worst possible time. The UAE cricket team is currently in Chennai and is bracing for a tough campaign. They play their opening match against New Zealand tomorrow, Tuesday, February 10.
Captain Muhammad Waseem, fresh off securing the “Blue Belt” for the fourth consecutive year in the DP World ILT20, will lead the side. Waseem has amassed 370 runs in his last 13 innings and is critical to the team’s success.
Interestingly, despite Zohaib’s claims regarding anti-Pakistan bias, former Pakistan fast bowler Yasir Arafat remains with the squad. Arafat, who played 27 international matches for Pakistan, serves as the team’s fast bowling coach.
Following the opener in Chennai, the squad travels to Delhi to face Canada, Afghanistan, and South Africa. For now, however, the focus remains on the dressing room turmoil and Zohaib’s abrupt exit.
