KARACHI: Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat will serve as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) bowling coach for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Emirates Cricket Board announced on Friday.
Arafat, who has represented Pakistan in three Tests, 11 ODIs and 13 T20Is, is the first cricketer from the country to complete the ECB Level 4 coaching course at Loughborough University.
The former all-rounder has experience as a bowling coach, having worked with county teams like Sussex and Surrey and Australia’s Big Bash League (PBL) franchise Perth Scorchers.
He has served as Pakistan’s High Performance Coach, Hong Kong National Team Bowling Coach and South Africa’s Bowling Consultant.
His appointment was confirmed by the Emirates Cricket Board in a statement which released its men’s national team squad for the 20-a-side tournament in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
“(…) Former Pakistan fast bowler Yasir Arafat (27 internationals for Pakistan) has joined the team as the competitive pace coach. Since taking over as coach at the end of his playing career, Yasir has coached various national teams and major franchises around the world,” the board said in a statement.
“The 43-year-old will work with the UAE team during the World Cup and the two-match T20I series against Ireland.”
UAE Support Staff for 2026 T20 World Cup:
Amjad Ezzi (Team Manager), Lalchand Rajput (Head Coach), Yasir Arafat (Fast Bowling Coach), Stanley Ciosa (Fielding Coach), Azharuddin Qureshi (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Dr. Abhijeet Salvi (Team Doctor), Manipreet Sidhu (Video Analyst), Emmat Hameed (Manager)