Harpreet Bhatia, 34, has debuted for the UAE cricket team.
Born in Madhya Pradesh, Bhatia grew up playing cricket with a plastic ball alongside his father and brother, a memory he calls one of his favourites. He rose through the Indian system, featuring in a List A game for Uttar Pradesh and spending seven years in the Indian Premier League with four different franchises. After a long domestic career, he earned his first UAE cap on a tour of Nepal in April.
Bhatia’s journey from Indian domestic cricket to UAE debut
The switch came after a call from coach Lalchand Rajput, who invited Bhatia to consider representing the Emirates. At the time, Bhatia was still competing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a domestic T20 competition in India, and needed a few days to decide. He had been approached two years earlier but felt the timing was off. Within three months of moving to the UAE, he was granted citizenship – a rare fast‑track that made him immediately eligible despite not meeting the usual three‑year residency rule.
Four months before his April debut, Bhatia was still playing domestic cricket in India. He described the decision as emotional, having spent 17 or 18 years in the Indian circuit. "All my family wanted me to play cricket for India. Unfortunately, I haven’t," he said, adding that representing a nation was "something very special". His father was the first family member to support the move, encouraging him to seize the opportunity.
“Whether you play for India, or the UAE, it feels the same.”
— Harpreet Bhatia
Impact of his experience on the UAE side
Bhatia’s IPL background brings a wealth of high‑level experience to a UAE side that aims to climb the One‑Day International rankings. His time rubbing shoulders with some of the game’s biggest stars during seven IPL seasons is expected to raise the standard of play and provide mentorship for younger Emirati talent. The left‑handed batter’s versatility was on display during an Emirates D50 match between Emirates Blues and Fujairah at the ICC Academy in Dubai, where his presence added depth to the batting line‑up.
UAE cricket officials see his inclusion as a boost ahead of upcoming international fixtures. The team, currently near the bottom of the ODI table, hopes that Bhatia’s experience in high‑pressure tournaments will help them compete more effectively. As he settles into his new role, Bhatia remains focused on contributing to the UAE’s progress while cherishing the chance to represent a new nation.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Harpreet Bhatia?
Harpreet Bhatia is a 34-year-old left-handed batter who has debuted for the UAE cricket team.
Why did Harpreet Bhatia switch from IPL to UAE?
Harpreet Bhatia switched from IPL to UAE after a call from coach Lalchand Rajput, who invited him to consider representing the Emirates.
What is Harpreet Bhatia's experience in the Indian Premier League?
Harpreet Bhatia spent seven years in the Indian Premier League with four different franchises.
When did Harpreet Bhatia debut for the UAE cricket team?
Harpreet Bhatia debuted for the UAE cricket team in April 2023, on a tour of Nepal.
