Do I need an ECB card to play in Dubai?

Yes. All league players must hold a valid ECB registration costing AED 150 per season.

What is the average club membership fee?

Most clubs charge between AED 800 and AED 1,500 for the full season including training access.

Can tourists join a league?

Tourists on a valid visit visa can register for short tournaments if the club has space and insurance is in place.

Cricket Leagues in Dubai: Where to Play 2026

Popular Dubai Cricket Leagues in 2026

Dubai runs several well-organised leagues that welcome expats. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) oversees the main competitions, while private clubs run weekend and evening divisions. Most leagues offer T20 and 40-over formats with divisions for different skill levels.

Where to Play: Main Grounds

Sevens Stadium in Al Ain Road hosts ECB league matches and has eight grass pitches plus floodlights. ICC Academy in Dubai Sports City provides four turf wickets and indoor nets for evening sessions. Sharjah Cricket Stadium runs its own league but is only 30 minutes from Dubai by taxi. Most grounds charge AED 50 to AED 80 per player per match for pitch and umpire fees.

How to Join as an Expat

First, obtain an ECB player registration through the official ECB portal. This costs AED 150 for the season and includes insurance. Next, contact clubs directly. Most require a short trial or video of your batting or bowling. Once accepted, you pay a seasonal membership between AED 800 and AED 1,500 depending on the club. Payments are usually made by bank transfer or card on the club website.

Costs and What Is Included

ECB registration: AED 150
Club membership: AED 800 to AED 1,500
Match fees: AED 50 to AED 80 per game
Kit and transport: paid by the player

Some clubs include match balls and basic refreshments in the membership fee. Transport to grounds is not included; many teams arrange carpool groups on WhatsApp.

Key Dates and Registration Windows

The winter league opens registration in late September 2026 and runs until March 2027. The summer T20 league opens in April with matches finishing by July. ECB publishes exact dates on its website each year. Late entries are accepted only if a team has a vacancy and the player has valid registration.

Visa and Insurance Notes

ECB player registration requires a valid UAE residence visa or tourist visa. ICP-issued visit visas are accepted for short tournaments. Make sure your health insurance covers sports injuries; DHA-approved policies usually do. If your visa is sponsored by your employer, inform MOHRE of the extra activity only if it affects your work permit conditions.

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