Former India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat has confirmed he plans to make an international cricket comeback by representing the United Arab Emirates once his mandatory cooling-off period ends in February 2027. The 33-year-old, who played seven Tests for India, retired from Indian cricket in June 2026.

Under International Cricket Council regulations, players switching allegiance between nations must complete a three-year cooling-off period from their last international appearance. Bharat last played for India in February 2024, against England, so he becomes eligible for UAE selection from February 2027.

Bharat: I still have those international days in me

Speaking to The Indian Express, Bharat said the decision to retire was a difficult one, driven by his belief that he still has international cricket left in him. "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," he said.

"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. "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."

New life in Dubai and the Abu Dhabi T10

Bharat has relocated to Dubai and trains regularly at the ICC Academy. He said the UAE set-up has welcomed him warmly and offers high-quality competition because of the mix of international players from countries including South Africa, England, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. "The UAE cricket board has been kind enough to welcome me and allow me to use their facilities," he said.

Since retiring, Bharat has 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, which runs from 7 to 20 November, after withdrawing from the Nepal Premier League, where he had been signed by Kathmandu Gurkhas.

Bharat said the T10 format is helping him stay connected to the game while he waits for eligibility. "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.

Before stepping away from Indian cricket, 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, and took 18 catches with one stumping.