The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have strengthened their coaching setup ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, appointing former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat as the team’s bowling coach.
Yasir Arafat, who featured for Pakistan in two T20 World Cups (2007 and 2012), brings a strong mix of international playing experience and a well-traveled coaching résumé.
He is also noted as the first Pakistani cricketer to complete an ECB Level 4 coaching qualification from Loughborough University, a milestone that adds to his credibility as a high-performance coach.
Over the years, Arafat has worked with several teams across different cricketing systems. His coaching stints include roles with English county sides Sussex and Surrey, and he has also been associated with the Perth Scorchers in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
In addition, he has served within Pakistan’s cricket structure as a High-Performance Coach, worked as a bowling coach for Hong Kong, and acted as a bowling consultant for South Africa.
Confirming the appointment while unveiling the UAE squad for the tournament, the ECB said Arafat will be part of the team’s World Cup campaign and also support preparations in the lead-up series.
The board added that the 43-year-old will work with the UAE during the World Cup as well as the two-match T20I series against Ireland before the tournament.
The 20-team T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with UAE aiming to make an impact through sharper bowling plans and improved execution under pressure.
UAE Support Staff for T20 World Cup 2026
| Amjad Ezzi | Team Manager |
| Lalchand Rajput | Head Coach |
| Yasir Arafat | Fast Bowling Coach |
| Stanley Chioza | Fielding Coach |
| Azharuddin Qureshi | Strength & Conditioning Coach |
| Dr. Abhijeet Salvi | Team Doctor |
| Manipreet Sidhu | Video Manager |
| Emmad Hameed | Media Manager |
| Manish Pardeshi | Physiotherapist |
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