Team Abu Dhabi has finalized their squad for Season 6 of the Abu Dhabi T10, after claiming the big-name signings of England trio Adil Rashid, Tymal Mills, and James Vince at the league's Official Player Draft.
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Bangladesh star Mustafizur Rahman was also snapped up late on. Meanwhile, the addition of 16-year-old Ethan D'Souza made history as the Zayed Cricket Academy teenager became the youngest player to ever be drafted into the competition.
Going into the draft, the tournament's home franchise had already acquired Australian star Chris Lynn and West Indies all-rounder, Fabian Allen, while retaining England internationals Phil Salt and Jamie Overton, as well as Afghanistan quick Naveen-ul-Haq.
"Overall, we're incredibly happy with our squad. Our top four picks are all extremely exciting and I think James Vince was an exceptional pick-up. I honestly didn't think he'd be available when it came round to our pick, so we jumped at the chance to sign him."
said Team Abu Dhabi general manager Shane Anderson
"It's an amazing moment for everyone at Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub to sign Ethan. He's come up through our Zayed Cricket Academy since the age of nine and we're thrilled for him. We're proud to continue developing his career by giving him this experience that we will never forget and has very much earned."
Paul Farbrace was also retained as head coach, with Sarah Taylor returning as his assistant, and the Team Abu Dhabi think tank is pleased to have built a world-class squad in pursuit of lifting the trophy for the first time in their history.
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Team Abu Dhabi squad
Chris Lynn
Fabian Allen
Phil Salt
Adil Rashid
Naveen ul Haq
Tymal Mills
James Vince
Jamie Overton
Brandon King
Ahmed Butt
Darwish Rasooli
Alishan Sharaf
Ali Abid
Ethan D'Souza
Mustafizur Rahman
Peter Hatzoglou
Afghanistan star Naveen, who took 10 wickets in nine appearances last season, took time out of his national team's ICC Men's T20 World Cup preparations at Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub to join the selection committee at the draft and the fast bowler is excited to again be representing Team Abu Dhabi.
"Adil Rashid is a proper leg-spinner and can change the game around when he plays T20 cricket, ODI, or any format. Last year in the T10 we saw how good he was in this format."