Zahoor Khan

Player Overview

Zahoor Khan is an experienced United Arab Emirates international bowler who returns to MI Emirates for DP World ILT20 Season 5. Born on 25 May 1989, Zahoor is a right-arm medium-fast bowler who has represented the UAE in both ODI and T20I cricket. He has also been closely associated with MI Emirates during previous editions of the ILT20, giving him considerable experience of the franchise and the competition. His ability to vary his pace and lengths has made him a useful T20 bowling option, while his knowledge of UAE conditions adds further value to the MI Emirates attack.

Playing Style

Zahoor is a right-arm medium-fast bowler whose T20 game relies on control, changes of pace and variations rather than speed alone. MI Emirates highlights his ability to mix his pace and lengths, helping him keep batters guessing during different phases of an innings. His experience also allows him to take responsibility when a bowling side needs control under pressure. The ICC classifies Zahoor as a bowler and lists his batting style as right handed. Although he can contribute lower down the order when required, his primary responsibility for MI Emirates is to provide an experienced pace-bowling option.

Which Team Does Zahoor Khan Play for in ILT20?

Zahoor Khan plays for MI Emirates in DP World ILT20 Season 5. He is already a familiar figure in the Blue and Gold after representing the franchise in previous ILT20 campaigns. MI Emirates brought him back for the 2026 tournament during the Season 5 player auction, purchasing the UAE bowler for USD 30,000. His return gives the squad continuity in its local bowling group and adds a player who already understands the franchise environment. Zahoor joins a Season 5 pace attack that also includes international bowlers such as Chris Jordan, Lizaad Williams and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Career Background

Zahoor made his T20 international debut for the United Arab Emirates against Afghanistan in 2017 and developed into an experienced member of the national bowling attack. His international career has included both T20I and ODI cricket, as well as appearances in major qualifying competitions and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. One of his standout early performances came in ODI cricket when he took 6/34, a spell MI Emirates identifies as the best ODI bowling figures by a UAE bowler.

Zahoor was also part of the UAE squad at the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia. Alongside his international career, he has built considerable experience in UAE franchise cricket and has repeatedly been selected by MI Emirates. That combination of national-team experience and familiarity with local T20 competition has made him one of the more experienced UAE pace bowlers in the ILT20 environment.

ILT20 Record

Zahoor Khan enters Season 5 with an established record in the International League T20. His current official MI Emirates profile records 26 ILT20 matches and 22 wickets at an economy rate of 8.59. He was also one of the standout UAE pace bowlers during the inaugural edition of the tournament, taking eight wickets in nine matches for MI Emirates. His continued involvement with the franchise across multiple seasons means he brings considerably more ILT20 experience than a new signing entering the competition for the first time. That tournament familiarity is an important part of his value to the Season 5 squad.

ILT20 Season 5 Context

MI Emirates purchased Zahoor for USD 30,000 at the Season 5 player auction on 1 October 2026. His selection brought an experienced UAE bowler back into a squad that was being rebuilt around four pre-auction signings and 18 auction additions. Zahoor’s history with MI Emirates gives the franchise continuity despite the number of new players arriving for the new campaign. He also provides an experienced local pace option within a bowling department containing different international styles. For Zahoor, Season 5 represents another opportunity to add to the 22 ILT20 wickets already recorded on his official MI Emirates profile.

Playing Style at UAE Venues

Zahoor’s experience of UAE cricket is one of the clearest strengths he brings to MI Emirates. He has represented the UAE internationally, played multiple ILT20 seasons and also appeared in the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament. In September 2026, he contributed with both bat and ball for MI Emirates Development against Sharjah Warriorz Development, scoring 22 from nine balls before taking 2/13. His documented ability to change pace and length gives him several options in T20 cricket, while years of playing in the country provide extensive familiarity with the venues and competitive environment used for the ILT20.