DUBAI: Muhammad Waseem, the captain of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricket team, has quickly risen to prominence in international cricket, becoming one of the UAE’s most accomplished batters in T20Is and ODIs. Born in Pakistan, Waseem’s journey to leading a national team reflects his qualities, talent, determination, and leadership.
Biography & Early Life:
Born on February 12, 1996, in Mian Channu, Punjab province of Pakistan, Waseem moved to the UAE to pursue his cricketing ambitions. He played in local leagues and Ramazan tournaments, where his talent was recognised by mentors and coaches. After meeting the ICC’s three-year residency requirement, he qualified to represent the UAE in April 2021.
International Career:
T20I Debut: 5 October 2021 vs Namibia
ODI Debut: 5 February 2022 vs Oman
Since his debut, Waseem has established himself as a consistent top-order batter, known for aggressive stroke play and high strike rates. In September 2025, he became the first UAE player to score 3,000 T20I runs, achieving the milestone in just 82 innings — the third-fastest in the world.
ICC CWC League 2, 2023-27 – Match 91, ICC Academy Dubai: Muhammad Shahdad’s brilliant 96 and Muhammad Waseem’s 76 earn UAE a 4⃣ wicket win!
Score in brief:
Nepal: 239/9, 50 overs (Bhim Sharki 48, Kushal Malla 45; Dhruv Parashar 2-28, Junaid Siddique 2-36)
UAE: 243/6, 49.1 overs… pic.twitter.com/gjqck5dHhT— UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket) November 5, 2025
Captaincy:
Appointed UAE T20I captain in 2023, Waseem has led a multi-national team with an emphasis on unity and professionalism. Under his leadership, the UAE achieved significant success in T20 competitions, and he became the first UAE cricketer to receive the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award (April 2024 and May 2025).
Franchise & Domestic Career:
Waseem has played in franchise leagues, including MI Emirates in the ILT20 and Chattogram Challengers in the Bangladesh Premier League, gaining exposure and experience that have strengthened his international performances.
Playing Style:
An aggressive right-handed opening batter and occasional medium-pacer, Waseem is celebrated for quick scoring, strong starts, and consistency, making him a cornerstone of UAE cricket.
