Shakib Al Hasan to Lead Royal Champs in Abu Dhabi T10 League

Bangladesh’s cricketing icon Shakib Al Hasan is set to captain Royal Champs in the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 League, one of the world’s fastest-growing franchise tournaments. The competition, scheduled to begin on November 18 in Dubai, promises electrifying action featuring some of the biggest global cricket stars.

This announcement marks another milestone in Shakib’s illustrious career and highlights his prominence in international franchise cricket. The Shakib Al Hasan Royal Champs partnership brings together experience, leadership, and strategic acumen and a mix that could make the franchise a title contender in this year’s event.

Abu Dhabi T10 League: The Fastest Format in the World

The Abu Dhabi T10 League has redefined cricket entertainment since its inception in 2017. Approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the 10-over format condenses matches into just 90 minutes, combining the thrill of T20 with the urgency of a powerplay.

The 2025 edition, hosted in Dubai, will feature a star-studded lineup of international players from over 10 nations. With the inclusion of new franchises like Royal Champs, the competition promises more excitement, innovation, and balance between power-hitting and smart tactics.

The ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League will take place from November 18 to 30, 2025, at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Eight franchises will participate, featuring a mix of international stars and emerging talent. Notable names include Harbhajan Singh, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Shimron Hetmyer, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, and Piyush Chawla, ensuring a strong line-up for the 12-day event.

In this high-paced environment, the Shakib Al Hasan Royal Champs collaboration adds star power and a tactical edge — as Shakib brings years of captaincy experience from global leagues.

Shakib Al Hasan: A Leader Built for Every Format

Few players in cricket history have mastered all formats like Shakib Al Hasan. The Bangladesh all-rounder, with over 14,000 international runs and 700 wickets, is widely regarded as one of the finest all-rounders in the modern game.

From leading Bangladesh in World Cups to dominating the Indian Premier League (IPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Shakib’s leadership record speaks for itself. His ability to adapt quickly, read match conditions, and lead under pressure makes him an ideal captain for the fast-moving T10 League.

Royal Champs: A New Force in T10 Cricket

The Royal Champs franchise is among the exciting new entrants in this year’s Abu Dhabi T10 League. With a vision to build a balanced squad that blends international experience with promising local talent, the team is investing heavily in strategic planning and player development.

Appointing Shakib Al Hasan as captain demonstrates the franchise’s commitment to excellence and professionalism. Team officials believe his experience and calm leadership will guide the new side in navigating the challenges of T10 cricket’s unpredictable nature.

The Shakib Al Hasan Royal Champs partnership also boosts the league’s visibility among global cricket fans, particularly across South Asia, where Shakib enjoys immense popularity.

Saif Hassan and Nahid Rana Join the T10 League

Bangladesh’s representation in the Abu Dhabi T10 League will be even stronger this year with two more players joining the lineup. Batter Saif Hassan and pacer Nahid Rana have secured contracts to feature in the upcoming season, beginning on November 18.

Following his consistent performance in the domestic T20 format, Saif Hassan was picked up by Aspin Stallions during the players’ draft held in Dubai. His recent form with the bat and ability to anchor quick innings make him a valuable addition to the Stallions’ top order.

Meanwhile, the Vista Riders added emerging pacer Nahid Rana to their roster, recognizing his raw pace and wicket-taking ability. Both players will be keen to make their mark on the global stage, gaining exposure alongside world-class cricketers.

The ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 will also welcome five new franchises — Vista Riders, Aspin Stallions, Royal Champs, Ajman Titans, and Quetta Cavalry — joining last season’s powerhouses Deccan Gladiators, Delhi Bulls, and Northern Warriors.

This expansion not only broadens the tournament’s competitive field but also reflects the global appeal and commercial growth of the T10 format.

Why Shakib Al Hasan Is Perfect for Royal Champs

Tactical Brilliance

Shakib’s deep understanding of match dynamics makes him one of cricket’s sharpest thinkers. His ability to balance aggression and composure, adjust bowling combinations, and deploy fielding strategies efficiently aligns perfectly with the demands of the 10-over format.

All-Round Excellence

The T10 format rewards adaptability and skill — areas where Shakib excels. His left-arm spin remains highly economical, while his batting prowess allows him to accelerate quickly in limited overs. In the Shakib Al Hasan Royal Champs setup, this all-round contribution could be a decisive factor.

Mentorship and Leadership

Beyond his performances, Shakib serves as a mentor to younger Bangladeshi players. His global exposure — from Dhaka to Kolkata, Barbados to Dubai — enables him to guide rising cricketers like Saif and Nahid as they take their first steps in international franchise competitions.

T10 Cricket: The Future of Fast Entertainment

Global Appeal and Fan Engagement

The Abu Dhabi T10 League has established itself as a hub for innovation in cricket broadcasting and digital engagement. Its short, action-packed format appeals to younger audiences and casual fans, particularly in regions like the Middle East, South Asia, and the UK.

Boosting Bangladesh’s Global Cricket Footprint

Shakib’s leadership role reinforces Bangladesh’s expanding influence in the world’s franchise circuits. Players from the country are no longer just participants — they are now captains, leaders, and ambassadors shaping how global audiences perceive Bangladeshi cricket.

What to Expect from Royal Champs Under Shakib

Fans can expect a disciplined yet fearless team identity from Royal Champs. Shakib is known for his calm but assertive captaincy,  who led Bangla Tigers earlier which emphasizing teamwork, decisions, and his excellence.

Shakib Al Hasan’s Royal Champs campaign is not just about results but also about building a foundation for future success in the T10 landscape.

Conclusion

The Abu Dhabi T10 League’s ninth edition promises to be bigger, faster, and more competitive — and Shakib Al Hasan’s leadership of Royal Champs stands out as one of its biggest attractions.

Alongside the exciting inclusions of Saif Hassan and Nahid Rana, Bangladesh’s footprint in global franchise cricket continues to expand. With Shakib’s tactical mastery and international experience, Royal Champs are set to bring Bangladeshi excellence to the global spotlight once again.

As the world gears up for another explosive season of T10 cricket starting November 18, the Shakib Al Hasan Royal Champs story is shaping up to be one of leadership, strategy, and national pride — a moment that celebrates how far Bangladesh has come on the global cricketing stage.