Muhammad Rohid Says DP World ILT20 Has Created a Clear Pathway for UAE Cricketers

UAE left-arm pacer Muhammad Rohid has credited the DP World ILT20 for creating a clear pathway for homegrown cricketers, saying the league has transformed opportunities for local players while helping him grow into an international performer.

Rohid, who was signed by MI Emirates for USD 140,000 during the tournament's landmark first-ever player auction ahead of Season 4, emerged as the fifth-most expensive acquisition. The signing reflected the increasing confidence franchises have in UAE talent and the growing value of local players in the six-team league.

DP World ILT20 Has Opened Doors for UAE Talent

Reflecting on the impact of the league, Rohid said the biggest contribution of the DP World ILT20 has been the opportunities it has created for aspiring cricketers across the UAE.

"The biggest thing the DP World ILT20 has done is create a clear pathway for UAE players. Young cricketers can now see that if you perform well, opportunities will come, whether it's with a franchise or the national team. That's incredibly inspiring, and I hope my journey encourages more youngsters to believe that they can achieve their dreams too."

Season 5 of the DP World ILT20, featuring six teams and 34 matches, is scheduled to be played during November and December 2026.

Learning from the World's Best

Rohid said his time with MI Emirates has played a significant role in shaping his career. One of his defining moments came during DP World ILT20 Season 4 when he was informed just 10 minutes before the toss that he would be playing in Qualifier 2.

The left-arm pacer responded with an impressive spell of 2/19, dismissing Brandon McMullen and Liam Livingstone in a memorable performance under pressure.

"The DP World ILT20 has shaped me into a better cricketer. The biggest lesson I learnt was to stay ready because opportunities can come at any moment. The environment around the team taught me to trust my preparation, stay calm under pressure, and back my skills whenever I got my chance."

Sharing the dressing room with international stars including Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Shakib Al Hasan also proved invaluable for the young fast bowler.

"Being around players of that calibre is something young cricketers dream of. Watching how they prepare for matches, train with purpose and stay composed under pressure taught me a lot. They were always willing to share advice, and those small conversations gave me confidence and helped me improve my own game. Learning from players who have achieved so much in international cricket is an experience I'll always value."

Focused on UAE National Team Success

Rohid has established himself as a regular member of the UAE national team since making his international debut. He has represented the country in three One-Day Internationals and 17 T20 Internationals, emerging as one of the UAE's promising left-arm fast bowlers.

His consistent performances also earned him a place in the UAE squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where he made an appearance against New Zealand.

"Representing the UAE is always my biggest motivation, and I want to keep improving every season. My goal is to become a bowler my captain can trust in any situation, whether it's with the new ball or at the death. I'm grateful to MI Emirates for believing in me and giving me opportunities, and I hope to contribute even more in the seasons ahead."

About DP World ILT20

The DP World ILT20 is the UAE's premier franchise T20 cricket league, featuring six teams and some of the world's leading international and UAE players. The tournament aims to strengthen cricket in the UAE by providing local talent with opportunities to compete alongside established global stars.

 

(Inputs from Press Release)