Abu Dhabi, 12 November 2026: Former India Test wicketkeeper KS Bharat has revealed his ambition to represent the United Arab Emirates in international cricket, with the 33-year-old hoping to become eligible in February 2027 as he embarks on a new chapter of his career with Emirates Eagles in the Abu Dhabi T10.
Having retired from Indian cricket, Bharat has been exploring opportunities across the world, including in the United States and the West Indies, while establishing a training base in Dubai. The former India wicketkeeper believes he still has plenty to offer at the international level and sees the UAE as an exciting destination for the next phase of his career.
Asked whether he could eventually be seen wearing the UAE jersey, Bharat made no secret of his intentions.
“Well, the plan is that, to be very honest, but definitely there’s still time for me. I still have to qualify the three-year cooling period. Maybe after that, I would be able to tell you. As of now, in February, my three-year cooling period will be done,” Bharat said on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi T10.
His comments offer an intriguing possibility for UAE cricket, which has increasingly attracted experienced international and domestic cricketers looking to continue their careers in a competitive environment.
Bharat, who represented India in Test cricket, admitted that leaving the Indian system had been a difficult decision, but one driven by his desire to keep playing at the highest possible level.
“Playing Test cricket is an ultimate feeling when you’re playing for your country. Nothing beats that feeling. And yes, you’ll have to leave certain things behind and move forward in life and look at the positive option, which I did,” he said.
“I’ve been getting enough cricket from the time I moved from BCCI, and I think it’s a tough call. But then, as a player, all you want to do is play the game.”
Despite performing consistently in domestic cricket, Bharat felt he still had the hunger and ability to extend his international career.
“Domestic, I’ve been performing well. I did well over the years, but somewhere I felt I still have those international days in me. So that is the reason I had to take this hard call,” he explained.
The wicketkeeper-batter has found a welcoming cricketing environment in the UAE, where he trains regularly at the ICC Academy in Dubai and has access to high-quality facilities and a diverse pool of players.
“I practice at ICC Academy. UAE Cricket is definitely kind to welcome me. They allow me to use their facilities, which is helping me to grow as a cricketer,” Bharat said.
He believes the UAE‘s multicultural cricketing environment is one of its greatest strengths, offering players exposure to different styles, conditions and approaches to the game.
“UAE is a place where you get all kinds of cricketers. You get cricketers from South Africa, England, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan. So it’s a mix of everything, I would say. It’s a very good opportunity, and I’m really liking this second innings. I’m really loving this journey.”
For Bharat, the Abu Dhabi T10 represents another important step in that journey. Having experienced the demands of Test cricket and the IPL, he is now adapting to the intensity of cricket’s shortest format.
“T10 challenges you a lot in terms of one-on-one skill with the opponents, and it’s a different ballgame. You don’t get enough time like you would get in a one-day, T20 or Test format,” he said
“T10 will obviously add a lot of value to T20 because your strike rates would go up. It will challenge all three departments because the pace of the game is even faster.”
He also believes the format is more demanding than it might appear, with matches capable of changing dramatically within a couple of deliveries.
“It’s not the easiest format, to be very honest, because you’ll have to be at it. Before you realise, two balls and the game changes very quickly, or two dot balls and the game comes back into your alley. I am having fun.”
Turning his attention to Emirates Eagles, Bharat acknowledged that the franchise has areas to improve after winning its opening game before suffering two consecutive defeats.
With Kyle Mayers in good form, captain Rovman Powell contributing with the bat and experienced New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult in the squad, Bharat believes the Eagles have the personnel to turn their campaign around.
“We have a fantastic batting line-up. Nothing wrong with that. Kyle Mayers is in form. Our captain Powell did well in the first game,” he said.
“Definitely, if I’ll be very honest, we are short of fifteen, twenty runs with the bat. We could have asked some tough questions to the batters, bowling some yorkers or some bouncers.”
He also stressed the importance of sharper fielding and better execution with the ball, particularly in a format where the margins between victory and defeat are exceptionally small.
For now, Bharat is focused on making the most of his opportunities with Emirates Eagles and continuing his development in the UAE. He has been impressed by the pitches at Zayed Cricket Stadium and believes the Abu Dhabi T10 provides an excellent platform for players looking to test themselves against international talent.
“The wickets are beautiful, and the facilities are amazing. The quality of players who come to play T10 is very high. I think this is a very good competition, and it’ll add a lot of value to youngsters or to people like me who are looking to again come back into the international circuit,” he said.
As he looks towards February 2027, Bharat’s ambitions extend beyond franchise cricket. Having already experienced the pride of representing India in Tests, the wicketkeeper is now keeping the door open for another opportunity on the international stage, this time potentially in the colours of the UAE.
