Nicholas Pooran named captain [Source: AFP]Nicholas Pooran has been named captain in yet another league. After having led multiple franchises in prominent T20 leagues like the CPL and the MLC, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter has been appointed as captain of a new team in the upcoming 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi T10. As per the latest development, the cricketer will lead the Royal Desert Champions, the latest team to enter the Abu Dhabi T10 spectrum. Nicholas Pooran handed dual roles at new Abu Dhabi T10 teamNicholas Pooran has been appointed as captain of the Royal Desert Champions for the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 2026 season in the UAE. Moreover, the former West Indies cricketer is also named as the ‘icon’ of the team.In addition to Pooran’s appointment, the franchise has named former India cricketer Robin Singh as their team director.Also Read- Nicholas Pooran's Cost Per Run For LSG In IPL 2026It is worth noting that Pooran is one of the most experienced overseas campaigners in Abu Dhabi T10, having previously played for teams like the Deccan Gladiators. How has Nicholas Pooran fared as captain in other T20 leagues?Nicholas Pooran was captain of the Deccan Gladiators franchise in last year’s Abu Dhabi T10 2025 season in the UAE. Under his leadership, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs and finished sixth on the eight-team points table.Apart from Abu Dhabi T10 league games, the former West Indies wicketkeeper-batter has previously led the Guyana Amazon Warriors as well as the Trinbago Knight Riders franchise in the CPL, and the MI New York franchise in the USA’s MLC competition.In 33 CPL games as captain, Pooran has yielded just 16 wins at an expense of 16 defeats. Meanwhile, in the MLC, the MI New York has registered 14 wins and suffered 13 losses from 27 games since the 2023 edition of the tournament. Under his leadership, the MI New York even won the inaugural MLC title in 2023, and repeated the feat in 2025 last year. He also led the Trinbago Knight Riders to a comprehensive CPL 2025 title victory. Moreover, he holds brief captaincy experience (interim basis) for the LSG franchise in the IPL. Having tasted success in CPL and MLC leagues as skipper, Pooran will be hoping to replicate his magic for the Royal Desert Champions as the new franchise makes its Abu Dhabi T10 debut this year. Royal Desert Champions expand Abu Dhabi T10 squad with more signingsApart from naming Nicholas Pooran as its captain, the Royal Desert Champions also signed up England cricketer Phil Salt and hard-hitting West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford.Both Salt and Rutherford have joined the Royal Desert Champions group as Platinum Direct Signings. Former Indian cricketer Robin Singh will join the side as its team director.As of now, exciting days lie ahead for the Desert Champions as the franchise makes more signings to shape up its squad before the Abu Dhabi T10 2026 season in the UAE.Also Read- Who is Muhammad Shahzad, Batter With Fastest First-Class Hundred For Pakistan?
