Sharjah Warriorz have finalized their 23-man squad for the fifth season of the DP World ILT20. The franchise boasts one of the most exciting combinations of experienced international campaigners, T20 specialists and UAE's rising stars. Sharjah Warriorz, who have appointed a new head coach Adrian Birrell, will aim to utilize the balance in their squad to mount a strong challenge for the title in the fifth season.

The franchise added several high-profile overseas stars during the pre-auction window before strengthening their ranks further at the Season 5 Player Auction in Dubai. The acquisition of James Vince, Adam Milne, Mohammad Waqar Salamkheil and Sikandar Raza during the pre-auction period gave the franchise a solid base of proven match-winners. They added Richard Gleeson, Mohammad Nabi, Paul Walter and Adil Rashid at the Player Auction to add quality and depth in all facets of the game.

Sharjah Warriorz add experience to squad

England seam bowler Richard Gleeson was the franchise's highest-profile auction buy for USD 180,000, adding pace and experience to the attack. Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi was the second-biggest acquisition at USD 140,000, while leg-spinner Adil Rashid returns to the franchise having previously represented Sharjah Warriorz. The England spinner provides another proven wicket-taking dimension to an already imposing spin department.

Beyond the headline signings, the Warriorz have a wealth of experience on their roster with Paul Walter, Craig Overton, George Linde, George Dockrell, Logan van Beek and Brandon McMullen all providing depth.

Meanwhile, the batting group has a pair of wicketkeeper-batters in Tom Banton and James Rew to offer Birrell flexibility when constructing the top and middle order. The squad's overall all-round versatility should give the franchise flexibility in constructing combinations depending on the conditions and opposition.

“We wanted to come out of the auction with a squad that gives us options in every situation. We have experienced players who have played a lot of T20 cricket, but we have also made sure there is depth in our batting and enough all-round ability to give us different combinations. The key now is to bring everyone together and build a clear identity around how we want to play,” said Birrell.

Spin could be Warriorz's biggest strength

Sharjah Warriorz look particularly well-stocked in the spin department, with Waqar Salamkheil, Adil Rashid, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Nabi and George Linde providing a wealth of spin bowling options. Linde's left-arm orthodox style offers further variety and could prove particularly useful at the home ground of Sharjah. The left-armer will also have an impact on Birrell's match-up and condition management in his quest to switch up bowling combinations when the circumstances demand it.

The franchise has also been focused on developing local talent, adding four UAE U19 players to its roster. The young contingent will get the opportunity to learn from an experienced international core while boosting the number of UAE representatives on the squad.

“We are very happy with the balance we have achieved. There is experience and versatility throughout the squad. We have a set of players that will give coach Adrian Birrell and the coaching staff the flexibility to build combinations around the various playing conditions and match situations,” said Kshemal Waingankar, COO of Sharjah Warriorz.

With established international names, specialist T20 performers, versatile all-rounders and up-and-coming UAE players, Sharjah Warriorz now have a 23-man squad that can offer Birrell several options in constructing combinations. The attention will now turn to building chemistry and preparing for the ILT20 Season 5 campaign.

Sharjah Warriors full squad

Sikandar Raza, James Vince, Mohammad Waqar Salamkheil, Adam Milne, Tanish Suri, Junaid Siddique, Ali Aamer Naseer, Adil Rashid, Mohammad Nabi, Richard Gleeson, George Linde, Paul Walter, Nabeel Aziz, George Dockrell, Brandon McMullen, Arjunraj Selvaraj, Mohammad Saqib, Craig Overton, James Rew, Tom Banton, Logan van Beek, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Fareed Malik.