KS Bharat moves to Dubai; included in a local team

Having recently announced his retirement from international cricket, KS Bharat is exploring new opportunities in the UAE. The former India wicketkeeper-batter has relocated to Dubai and is currently seeking both short-term and long-term prospects in the emirate's cricket ecosystem.

To begin with, Bharat has been included in a local squad for a tournament currently being organised by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB). The competition got underway on Friday at the ICC Academy Oval 1 in Dubai, with Bharat drafted into the Team Stallions squad.

Team Stallions are one of four sides competing in a seven-match, two-day white-ball tournament. According to the ECB, the competition has been designed to develop the mindset and skills required for longer-format cricket. The other participating teams are Team Falcons, Team Leopards and Team Eagles.

It is understood that Bharat could be exploring opportunities in the ILT20, the UAE's franchise league, scheduled to be held in November and December. The player auction is expected to take place in October.

"He has moved to Dubai, like many other international cricketers from different countries, and is exploring both short-term and long-term opportunities here," an Emirates cricket official told Cricbuzz.

Bharat, 32, a wicketkeeper-batter from Andhra who played seven Tests for India, made the surprise decision to retire from international and domestic cricket earlier this month.