Former India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat has confirmed his plans to make an international cricket comeback by representing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national team once his mandatory cooling-off period ends in February 2027.
The 33-year-old Bharat retired from Indian cricket in June 2026, making him eligible to participate in overseas franchise leagues.
Under International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, players switching allegiance between nations must complete a three-year cooling-off period from their last international appearance. Since Bharat last played for India in February 2024 against England, he becomes eligible for UAE selection starting February 2027.
“Playing Test cricket is the ultimate feeling when you're playing for your country. Nothing beats that. But as a player all you want to do is to play the game. I've been performing well in domestic cricket over the years,” Bharat said in a media release.
“But somewhere I felt I still have those international days in me. That is the reason I had to take this hard call (the retirement in June),” he added.
He is now targeting an international return through the UAE team. “That is the plan, to be very honest. I still have to complete the cooling-off period. In February, it will be done, and maybe after that I'll be able to tell you more,” Bharat stated.
KS Bharat has relocated to Dubai and trains regularly at the ICC Academy. He noted that the UAE's domestic setup offers high-quality competition due to the mix of international players from countries like South Africa, England, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
“The UAE cricket has been kind to welcome me and allow me to use their facilities. The quality of players you play with is high for a domestic structure, because the UAE is a place where you get all kinds of cricketers, from South Africa, England, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and a few Indians now. I'm really loving this second innings.”
Following his retirement from Indian cricket, Bharat joined Team Stallions for the Emirates Cricket Board's Two-Day Championship. He is currently playing for the Emirates Eagles in the Abu Dhabi T10 league.
Bharat said the Abu Dhabi T10 is helping him stay connected to cricket. “There is a little bit of adaptation to be done. Probably, remembering the younger days when I used to play with a tennis ball. “Before you realise it, two balls and the game changes very quickly, or two dot balls and the game comes back your way. It's not the easiest format, but I'm having fun,” he remarked.
Before stepping away from Indian cricket, KS Bharat represented India in seven Test matches between 2023 and 2024, including the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final. Across those appearances, he scored 221 runs at an average of 20.09, with a top score of 44.
(With PTI Inputs)
