Mohammed Zohaib’s T20 World Cup 2026 run comes to an abrupt controversial end!
United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricketer Mohammed Zohaib has been withdrawn from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and sent back home due to a breach of team discipline, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Monday.
In an official statement, the ECB said Zohaib was recalled to Dubai for violating team protocols, adding that further details regarding the matter would be shared at an appropriate time.
The decision comes just as the UAE prepare to begin their campaign in the 20-team tournament.
However, the player has contested the move, alleging that his removal was influenced by nationality.
Zohaib claimed that the team management consists entirely of individuals of Indian origin and insisted he was targeted because he is Pakistani.
He has called on the ECB to launch a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his dismissal.
The controversy has emerged at a crucial stage of the tournament, raising concerns about team dynamics and selection stability ahead of important fixtures.
Led by star batter Mohammad Waseem, the UAE are set to open their T20 World Cup campaign against New Zealand on Tuesday in Chennai.
The squad blends youth and experience, with key names including Alishan Sharafu, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique and Rohid Khan expected to play pivotal roles.
Following their opening clash, the team will travel to New Delhi for the remainder of their group-stage matches, where they are scheduled to face Canada, Afghanistan and South Africa on February 13, 16 and 18, respectively.
