DP World ILT20 has created a pathway for UAE cricketers: Mohammad Rohid

DUBAI: For UAE left-arm pacer Mohammad Rohid, the DP World ILT20’s landmark first-ever player auction marked a defining moment. Signed by MI Emirates for $140,000 ahead of Season Four, Rohid emerged as the fifth-most expensive acquisition in the auction, reflecting the growing faith franchises have in UAE talent and the increasing value of homegrown players in the competition.

The moment was not only a personal milestone, but also a strong endorsement of the opportunities the DP World ILT20 continues to create for local cricketers.

For Rohid, the auction represented more than just a personal milestone. He believes the biggest legacy of the DP World ILT20 is the pathway it has created for aspiring UAE cricketers.

“The biggest thing the DP World ILT20 has done is create a clear pathway for UAE players,” he said. “Young cricketers can now see that if you perform well, opportunities will come, whether it’s with a franchise or the national team. That’s incredibly inspiring, and I hope my journey encourages more youngsters to believe that they can achieve their dreams, too.”

Reflecting on his journey with MI Emirates, who emerged as runners-up last year, Rohid said the experience of training and competing alongside international stars has transformed the way he approaches the game. His composure under pressure was tested during DP World ILT20 Season Four when he was informed that he would be playing in Qualifier Two just 10 minutes before the toss. The left-arm pacer responded with figures of 2-19, dismissing Brandon McMullen and Liam Livingstone in a memorable spell.

“The DP World ILT20 has shaped me into a better cricketer,” Rohid said. “The biggest lesson I learned was to stay ready because opportunities can come at