In a historic move for the sport, five cricketers have become the first to be granted UAE citizenship through naturalization. The list starts with Khuzaima Tanveer, Ajay Kumar, Akshdeep Nath, Harpreet Bhatia, and Adeeb Usmani, who are now official Emirati nationals. This marks a major change from the old system, where players represented the team based only on residency years.
This shift is already in effect as the squad tours Nepal for their T20I and ODI tri-series. By becoming citizens, these players gain immediate eligibility to represent the nation on the international stage, moving away from the strict residency rules set by the ICC. It is a landmark decision that provides a more permanent and stable foundation for the future of UAE cricket.
Rules of ICC to play Cricket
Meanwhile Football, Rugby and Zudo have already achieved this feat and got the UAE citizenship back in 2018. People of UAE love to play cricket and as per ICC rules and regulations, they set the criteria to play for the nation. Cricketers must have to reside at least 3 years in UAE to play international cricket for the country. Now these 5 cricketers got the permit to play for the UAE by the passport process.
Until now, the cricket scene in the UAE has followed a unique path. The national team has been almost entirely made up of expatriate players who qualify for international duty under ICC guidelines.
The most common route has been the three-year residency rule. Under this criteria, a player becomes eligible to represent the country if they can prove the UAE has been their “primary and permanent home” for at least three consecutive years. This residency-based system has been the standard way for the UAE to build its squad, allowing talented expats to step up to the international stage.
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Reactions of cricketers who got the citizenship
Speaking to The National, Kumar shared that playing for the UAE has been his goal since the moment he arrived. He credited his progress to the grind of domestic and club cricket, which prepared him for this leap. Kumar expressed deep gratitude toward the support staff, the management, and the entire cricket community for their backing throughout his journey, adding that he is eager to step onto the field and give his best for his new home.
Khuzaima echoed that sentiment, describing the chance to play for the UAE as an “out of this world” feeling. He noted how lucky he felt to have the country’s trust. Having spent three years in the domestic circuit and gaining high-level experience in the ILT20 and Abu Dhabi T10, Khuzaima feels ready for the international stage. He thanked the Emirates Cricket Board for their constant support, noting that competing alongside global stars has been a massive part of his development.
Here are the list of Players who granted the UAE citizenship
- Khuzaima Tanveer
- Ajay Kumar
- Akshdeep Nath
- Harpreet Bhatia
- Adeeb Usmani
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