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Yas Lions Joins Abu Dhabi T10, Robin Uthappa Named Team Director

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Yas Lions have become the latest franchise confirmed for the new era of the Abu Dhabi T10, entering the tournament with West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder as Icon player, former India international Robin Uthappa as Team Director.

File photo of Robin Uthappa

Yas Lions have become the latest franchise confirmed for the new era of the Abu Dhabi T10, entering the tournament with West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder as Icon player, former India international Robin Uthappa as Team Director, and entrepreneur and investor Jeetu Kataria as owner. The Lions will make their tournament debut when the Abu Dhabi T10 returns to Zayed Cricket Stadium from November 7-20, joining an expanding 2026 line-up under the ownership of Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH) that already includes Arabian Aces, Emirates Eagles, UAE Bulls, United Tigers and Royal Desert Champions.

Yas Lions was created with a simple but ambitious belief: T10 cricket can play a meaningful role in taking the game to the world. The journey begins in Abu Dhabi, but the ambition is global.

Owner Jeetu Kataria brings close to two decades of experience across institutional capital markets, investment banking, asset management and financial technology. For Kataria, Yas Lions represents the opportunity to build something at the intersection of cricket, the UAE and long-term enterprise – not as a passive franchise owner, but to help create one of the best-run teams in the league, grounded in process, governance, respect for players and partners, and a clear competitive identity.

Robin Uthappa, a World Cup-winning former India international, takes on the Team Director role, where he will oversee the franchise’s cricketing strategy, player development and squad culture alongside the coaching staff. Uthappa was part of India’s 2007 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad. Since closing his playing chapter in 2022, he has built a second career across entrepreneurship, broadcasting and high-performance coaching. His role with Yas Lions will also see him work closely on player recruitment and mentoring. Having long wanted to see cricket move beyond its traditional markets, Uthappa believes T10 offers one of the clearest pathways to new audiences – short, fast, entertaining and easy for first-time fans to understand.

Together, Kataria and Uthappa aim to combine cricketing credibility with a strong business backbone. The intention is not simply to own a franchise. It is to build one – a team known for integrity, a genuine hunger to win, the pride of unity, and a commitment to the growth of the game.

Matt Boucher, CEO of the Abu Dhabi T10 and its owner Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH), said: “Welcoming Yas Lions is another important step in our ambition to build the Abu Dhabi T10 into a truly global sporting property. With strong international investment, experienced leadership and world-class playing talent, franchises such as Yas Lions are integral to our strategy of expanding the tournament’s international reach, attracting new audiences and creating long-term value for the sport. Our vision extends well beyond the tournament itself. We want to establish Abu Dhabi as a leading international destination for cricket and major sporting events, bringing together global talent, commercial partnerships and passionate fans. Yas Lions share that ambition, and their arrival adds further momentum to an exciting new era for Abu Dhabi T10.”

Jeetu Kataria, Owner of Yas Lions, said: “Building Yas Lions is about applying the core principles I stand by – meticulous planning and a long-term vision. The Abu Dhabi T10 gives us an outstanding platform to build a franchise with a real identity, one grounded in process, governance and respect for players and partners. Having Robin lead our cricketing operation gives us a rare combination of championship experience and modern high-performance thinking. Together with Jason, Andries and David, we have the foundations of a squad built to compete from the first season itself. Our ambition is clear: build a contender, build a brand, and help take cricket to new audiences around the world.”

source: http://www.sports.ndtv.com / NDTV / Home> Sports Home> Cricket> News / by NDTV Sports Desk / September 29th, 2026

Robin Uthappa retires from all forms of cricket

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Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa on Wednesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 36-year-old announced his decision through a personal note which he shared on social media platforms.

“It has been my greatest honour to represent my country and my state, Karnataka. However, all good things must come to an end, and with a grateful heart, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. Thank you all,” tweeted Uthappa while sharing the note. 

Notably, Uthappa represented India in white-ball cricket. The wicketkeeper batter played 59 matches for India across the two formats and aggregated 1183 runs. Uthappa made his ODI debut against England in 2006 while he played his first T20I against Scotland in 2007. In IPL, he has played 205 games and has amassed close to 5000 runs. 

Although the 36-year-old did not play too many games for India, he was reckoned as one of the pinch hitters in the team. Uthappa’s pull shots were pretty famous among fans. 

“It’s been 20 years since I started playing professional cricket, and it has been the greatest honour to represent my country and state, Karnataka- a wonderful journey full of ups and downs; one that has been fulfilling, rewarding, enjoyable and has allowed me to grow as a human being. However, all good things must come to an end, and with a grateful heart I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. While I will spend a significant time with my young family, I look forward to charting a new phase in my life,” wrote Uthappa in his note. 

“I take this opportunity to thank the President, Secretary and the office bearers of the BCCI for their support and encouragement throughout my cricket career. I would also like to thank Karnataka State Cricket Association, Saurashtra Cricket Association and Kerala Cricket Association for the honour of representing the respective states during the course of my career. Further, would like to express my gratitude to the IPL teams represented MI, RCB, PWI and RR. A special mention to KKR & CSK for all the wonderful memories and support my family and received during my time with them-something will always cherish.”

source: http://www.sportstiger.com / Sports Tiger / Home> Cricket / by Ritesh Pathak / September 14th, 2022