Sohaib Khan, a talented cricketer from Sherghati in Bihar’s Gaya district and an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia, has created history by being selected in the UAE squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament will be played in India from February 7, 2026, and this will be only the second time the UAE has qualified for the prestigious global event.
Sohaib’s selection is being seen as a proud moment not just for him, but also for Jamia Millia Islamia and his hometown in Bihar. Sports coach Md Monis described the achievement as the result of years of hard work and commitment.
The achievement is historic in many ways. Sohaib is only the second cricketer from Bihar, after Ishan Kishan, to feature in a T20 World Cup. While Ishan represents India, Sohaib will play for the UAE, giving Bihar representation on the international stage in a different jersey. He is also only the second Jamia Millia Islamia alumnus to reach a T20 World Cup, after former India opener Virender Sehwag.
What makes the moment even more special is that Sohaib is the first cricketer from Gaya district to play in an ICC T20 World Cup. His journey from a small town in Bihar to world cricket is expected to inspire many young players from the region to dream big.
Born on June 5, 1998, Sohaib Khan is a right-handed batter who has represented teams such as the United Arab Emirates, Ajman, Fly Emirates, Thunder Strikers, Colatta Warriors and Dubai Capitals Development. In his international career so far, he has played four ODIs, scoring 56 runs with a highest score of 29, and two T20Is, scoring 14 runs with a top score of 11.
Congratulating him on his international debut, Emirates Cricket had earlier said, “Congratulations to batter Sohaib Khan on his T20I debut in the UAE-Ireland clash at the Dubai International Stadium. We wish Sohaib the very best in his T20I career.”
