Rovman Powell Named Emirates Eagles Captain

Abu Dhabi: West Indies power-hitter Rovman Powell has been named captain of the new Emirates Eagles franchise ahead of their debut season in the Abu Dhabi T10 league.The newly formed team, owned by Maverick Sports and Entertainment, is bolstering its squad and leadership group with high-profile international signings ahead of the tournament, which runs from November 7 to 20 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Highly decorated international coach Mickey Arthur will oversee the Eagles' cricketing strategy. Arthur brings vast experience from coaching national sides like South Africa, Australia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.The franchise secured explosive West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer and premier New Zealand left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult as direct signings alongside Powell. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Kona Srikar (KS) Bharat signed with the Emirates Eagles ahead of their inaugural season in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. He joined the franchise as a Category B player. Bharat announced his retirement from international and domestic Indian cricket on June 4, 2026, to actively pursue overseas franchise leagues.

Maverick Sports and Entertainment brings together Annam Satish Prabhakar, Classic Investments, Kondaveeti Durga Pavan Kumar, Bonam Suryaprakash, Annam Kusumkiran and Allada Ashok Vardhan. The consortium views its entry into the Abu Dhabi T10 as a major step in expanding its presence in franchise cricket, with the long-term goal of developing Emirates Eagles into a competitive and commercially sustainable global sporting brand. Annam Satish Prabhakar, Managing Director of Emirates Eagles, said: "We are entering the Abu Dhabi T10 with a long-term plan for Emirates Eagles. Our ambition is to create a franchise that combines success on the field with a strong, distinctive brand that can connect with cricket fans in the UAE and internationally.