UAE left-arm pacer Muhammad Rohid has said the International League T20 (ILT20) has established a clear pathway for local cricketers to realise their ambitions after he became one of the highest-paid UAE players in the league’s inaugural player auction.
Signed by MI Emirates for USD 140,000 ahead of Season 4, Rohid was the fifth-most expensive player acquired in the auction, indicating the increasing confidence franchises have in UAE talent and the rising value of homegrown players, a statement said.
Rohid described the auction not only as a personal achievement but also as validation of the opportunities the ILT20 provides for local cricketers.
He said: “The biggest thing the ILT20 has done is create a clear pathway for UAE players. Young cricketers can now see that if you perform well, opportunities will come, whether it’s with a franchise or the national team. That’s incredibly inspiring, and I hope my journey encourages more youngsters to believe that they can achieve their dreams too.”
Reflecting on his experience with MI Emirates, who finished as runners-up last year, Rohid said training and competing alongside international stars had transformed his approach to the game.
During ILT20 Season 4, Rohid was notified just 10 minutes before the toss that he would play in Qualifier 2. He responded with impressive figures of 2-19, dismissing Brandon McMullen and Liam Livingstone.
He said: “The ILT20 has shaped me into a better cricketer. The biggest lesson I learnt was to stay ready because opportunities can come at any moment. The environment around the team taught me to trust my preparation, stay calm under pressure, and back my skills whenever I got my chance.”
Sharing the dressing room with players such as Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Shakib Al Hasan left a lasting impression on Rohid.
He added: “Being around players of that calibre is something young cricketers dream of. Watching how they prepare for matches, train with purpose and stay composed under pressure taught me a lot. They were always willing to share advice, and those small conversations gave me confidence and helped me improve my own game. Learning from players who have achieved so much in international cricket is an experience I’ll always value.”
Rohid has become a regular member of the UAE national team, having represented his country in three ODIs and 17 T20Is, delivering several impactful performances as one of the UAE’s emerging left-arm quicks. He was also included in the UAE squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, making one appearance against New Zealand.
He said: “Representing the UAE is always my biggest motivation, and I want to keep improving every season. My goal is to become a bowler my captain can trust in any situation, whether it’s with the new ball or at the death. I’m grateful to MI Emirates for believing in me and giving me opportunities, and I hope to contribute even more in the seasons ahead.”