Mohammed Wasim says he wants to make the UAE proud after he was called into the Multan Sultans squad for the Pakistan Super League.
The 27-year-old batsman was recruited as a replacement player ahead of the competition's resumption in Abu Dhabi next month.
The competition was postponed midway through the season back in March as a result of an outbreak of Covid cases. At short notice, plans have now been put in place to stage the remaining 20 matches at Zayed Cricket Stadium in the capital from June 5.
The rescheduling and relocation had meant a number of players from the original playing rosters have been rendered unavailable for the remainder of the event. Players have to quarantine for 10 days before they can start training.
Wasim was one of two UAE players called in to cover the losses in the replacement player submissions announced on Saturday.
Sultan Ahmed, the national team’s T20 specialist, was also drafted in to the Lahore Qalandars squad.
The left-arm spinner is already well know to the Lahore franchise, having represented them with distinction in the past two seasons of the Abu Dhabi T10.
The T10 is also likely to thank for Wasim’s elevation to the PSL, too – particularly when considering he has yet to even play for the UAE.
Wasim has only just become eligible for his adopted country via the ICC's three-year residency criteria, but he has caught the eye in the T10.
His move to Multan Sultans will reunite him with Andy Flower, the coach who spoke highly of Wasim’s talent when he was in charge of the Maratha Arabians in the T10 in 2019.
Wasim was a non-playing member of that title-winning team, but he was a central figure as Northern Warriors won the title earlier this year.
During that campaign, he blazed away to equal the fastest half-century in the T10, matching the 12-ball record set by two superstars of the sport – Mohammed Shahzad and Chris Gayle.
“This is my dream come true,” Wasim said on Saturday after his selection for Multan. “It feels like my home team as Multan is very near, maybe one hour, from my home town [Mian Channu].
“I am feeling very confident, and, Inshallah, I will do my very best. I am looking forward to playing against bowlers like Mohammed Amir and Shaheen Afridi, and playing alongside our big star Shahid Afridi. There are so many great players there.
“I am very excited and I want to do my best. Hopefully I will make UAE proud.”
Wasim is looking forward to being reunited with Flower, whom he described as “a very good coach and a very good person also” after their time together in T10.
He is also focused on making his friends and family happy if he gets a chance to play.
“I have received so many messages, and people have been posting things on social media saying they are happy and wishing me luck,” Wasim said. “It makes me feel very proud.”
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
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Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
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What are the awards? They honour anyone who has made a contribution to life in Abu Dhabi.
Are they open to only Emiratis? The awards are open to anyone, regardless of age or nationality, living anywhere in the world.
When do nominations close? The process concludes on December 31.
How do I nominate someone? Through the website.
When is the ceremony? The awards event will take place early next year.
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THE BIO
Age: 30
Favourite book: The Power of Habit
Favourite quote: "The world is full of good people, if you cannot find one, be one"
Favourite exercise: The snatch
Favourite colour: Blue
