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Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat has been appointed as the fast bowling coach of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Friday.
The appointment was announced as part of the ECB’s official statement while unveiling the UAE squad for the 20-team tournament, which will be played across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
In its statement, the board highlighted Arafat’s international background and coaching experience.
“Former Pakistan fast bowler Yasir Arafat (27 international matches for Pakistan) has joined the squad as fast bowling coach for the tournament. Since taking up coaching at the end of his playing career, Yasir has coached various national teams and prominent franchises from around the world,” the ECB said.
The board further confirmed that the 43-year-old will also work with the UAE side in the build-up to the mega event.
“The 43-year-old will work with the UAE team during the World Cup and the preceding two-match T20I series against Ireland,” the statement added.
Arafat, who represented Pakistan in three Tests, 11 ODIs and 13 T20Is, brings a strong coaching resume to the UAE setup.
Notably, he is the first cricketer from Pakistan to complete an ECB Level 4 coaching course from Loughborough University.
The former all-rounder has previously worked as a bowling coach with county sides Sussex and Surrey, and also served in the coaching staff of Big Bash League (BBL) powerhouse Perth Scorchers.
He has also held roles as Pakistan’s High-Performance Coach, bowling coach of the Hong Kong national team, and a bowling consultant for South Africa.
Meanwhile, Arafat joins a UAE support staff led by head coach Lalchand Rajput as the team gears up for the World Cup challenge.
UAE support staff for T20 World Cup 2026
Amjad Ezzi (team manager), Lalchand Rajput (head coach), Yasir Arafat (fast bowling coach), Stanley Chioza (fielding coach), Azharuddin Qureshi (strength and conditioning coach), Dr Abhijeet Salvi (team doctor), Manipreet Sidhu (video analyst), Emmad Hameed (media manager) and Manish Pardeshi (physiotherapist).
