KS Bharat announced his International retirement in June 2026 (Credit: AP) Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat stated that he plans to make a return to international cricket with the UAE national side after his cooling-off period ends in February 2027, on Tuesday. After announcing his retirement from international cricket in June of this year, Bharat, who represented India in seven Test matches between 2023 and 2024, is eligible to participate in T20 leagues worldwide. "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, who now plays for Emirates Eagles in the Abu Dhabi T10, 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. But now he eyes a return to top-flight cricket 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," he said. The facilities at the ICC Academy, where he often practices, have impressed the 33-year-old, who presently resides in Dubai. "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," he noted. Bharat felt that 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 said. However, Bharat could not end up on the winning side as Emirates Eagles went down to the Richard Gleeson-led Arabian Aces by 10 wickets. But he wanted to use it as a learning experience and do well in upcoming matches. Nikhil is an accomplished sports journalist with extensive experience spanning several years across digital, and multimedia platforms. Currently contr... View More