The T10 format is the shortest format of professional cricket. However, only a few cricket leagues employing this format are sanctioned by the International Cricket Council. One such event is the Abu Dhabi T10 league, which is recognized as a semi-professionally cricket league. It began in 2017 and has seen progressive growth over the years.
The Abu Dhabi T10 league is known for being the only cricket league that is managed by the cricket board of an associate member (Emirates Cricket Board). It is owned by T Ten Sports Management. Each innings lasts 10 overs and the entire match lasts for 90 minutes.
The rules of the event are same as for all other T10 leagues held globally. However, the Abu Dhabi T10 is notable for its team composition, wherein 10 of 11 players can be overseas players from any part of the world. The 2024 edition of the event featured 10 teams. Per its current format, the tournament features a round-robin format in the league stage, followed by the playoffs.
A match win is worth two points whereas a loss does not fetch any. If a match ends in a tie, a super over decides the winner. Should a match end with no results, then both teams get a point each. If two teams are tied at the same number of points, then the net run-rate decides the better side.
At the end of the league stage, the two teams at the top of the point stable contest the first qualifier. The winner of this match goes to the final. Teams positioned fourth and fifth contest the first eliminator, the winner of which faces the third positioned team in the second eliminator. The winner of this match faces the loser of the first qualifier in the second qualifier to decide the second finalist.
The participating teams of the 2024 edition are Deccan Gladiators, Northern Warriors, New York Strikers, Ajman Bolts, Bangladesh Tigers, Chennai Brave Jaguars, Delhi Bulls, Morrisville Samp Army, Team Abu Dhabi, and UP Nawabs. Deccan Gladiators is the most successful side, having won three titles.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who has represented four teams in the Abu Dhabi T10 league is the leading batter with 1502 runs. Dwayne Bravo, who played in the event between 2017 and 2023 is the leading wicket-taker with 39 to his name.
