Former Pakistan all rounder Yasir Arafat believes the rise of franchise cricket, particularly the Indian Premier League, has reshaped the global cricketing landscape by making the sport more lucrative and competitive. Speaking about the evolution of the game, Arafat said the financial stability provided by leagues like the IPL has changed how players approach their careers while also raising performance standards across formats.
Arafat, who was recently appointed as the bowling coach of the United Arab Emirates national team for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, described the shortest format as unpredictable and demanding. According to him, success in T20 cricket cannot be achieved through a single strategy. Teams must adapt to conditions, opposition strengths and the constantly evolving nature of the format.
The former Pakistan international retired from professional cricket in 2016 and transitioned into full time coaching soon after. He completed a Level Four coaching programme with the England and Wales Cricket Board, one of the highest qualifications available in the sport. Since then, Arafat has built a diverse coaching career across continents, gaining experience at both international and domestic levels.
During his coaching journey, Arafat has served as Pakistan’s national team high performance coach and worked as a bowling consultant with South Africa during the Champions Trophy. His résumé also includes coaching stints with county sides Surrey and Sussex, as well as with Big Bash League franchise Perth Scorchers. These roles, he says, have helped him understand different cricketing cultures and player mindsets.
Reflecting on the influence of the IPL, Arafat noted that the league not only created financial opportunities but also exposed players from various countries to elite competition. He believes this exposure has accelerated skill development, particularly in areas such as death bowling, power hitting and fielding standards. According to him, young cricketers now enter the international stage better prepared due to experience gained in franchise tournaments.
However, Arafat cautioned against over reliance on templates or set game plans in T20 cricket. He stressed that while data and analytics play an important role, instinct, awareness and flexibility remain equally important. Bowlers, he added, must constantly refine their variations and mental toughness to survive in a format dominated by aggressive batting.
As he prepares the UAE team for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Arafat said his focus is on building confidence and discipline among the bowlers. He believes associate nations can compete effectively if they combine smart preparation with fearless execution. His goal, he explained, is to help players understand their strengths rather than imitate others blindly.
With experience spanning international cricket, franchise leagues and elite coaching systems, Yasir Arafat remains a strong advocate for adaptability in modern cricket. He believes the future belongs to players and teams willing to evolve continuously, both technically and mentally, in an ever changing global game.
