Rizwan to lead UAE in T20 World Cup
Dubai:leg-spinner turned bater CP Rizwan will lead the 15-member UAE team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 Australia, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) announced here on Saturday.
Vriitya Aravind will be his deputy in the mega sporting spectacle, scheduled to take place from October 16-November 13. Rohan Mustafa, the most capped UAE player in both T20I and One-day International cricket, has been dropped.
The veteran 33-year-old had played as recently as last month for UAE, but was dropped subsequently from the playing XI during the Asia Cup qualifiers in Oman.
The selection commitee chairman, Dr. Tayeb Kamali, said: “Qualifying to play against top national teams of the world at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup marks a milestone with UAE Cricket’s growing strengths in the T20 format.
“We extend our deep appreciation to all who have invested their time and efforts as we arrive at this unique moment in Emirates Cricket’s history.
“We wish our team the very best as they continue to make their mark on international cricket at the ICC T20 World Cup,” he added.
While a number of players have been rested for this tour, Robin Singh, Director of Cricket and National Teams’ Head Coach, is buoyed by the inclusion of a number of the country’s young talent that have proven their worth to wear the country’s flag.
“This team has a solid representation of experience and youth. It must be emphasized that UAE Cricket’s youth have continued to show their worth at various successful ICC and Asian Cricket (age-group) campaigns, and, it is their time to showcase these proven talents to the cricketing world alongside those (selected) experienced players,” he said.
“To represent your country is of great pride and our (coaching) team has complete belief in the maturity and skills of this group of players, and we expect them to surprise a few teams with their performances.”
In continuing their preparations and before leaving for Australia, in early October, the UAE will play Bangladesh Cricket in a two-match T20I series, at Dubai Sports City’s Dubai International Stadium on September 25 and September 27.
EX-NEW ZEALAND PACE BOWLER BOND APPOINTED HEAD COACH OF MI EMIRATES: Former New Zealand express pace bowler Shane Bond has been appointed as head coach of MI Emirates for the inaugural edition of UAE’S International League T20.
He will continue to be in his current role as bowling coach of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Mumbai Indians.
The MI Emirates coaching team includes current Mumbai Indians talent scouts, Parthiv Patel and Vinay Kumar who will debut as coaches -- Parthiv as baoach, Vinay as bowling coach and former MI all-rounder James Franklin as fielding coach.
In addition, former India player, Robin Singh, has been appointed general manager, cricket, MI Emirates.
“Shane Bond joined Mumbai Indians in 2015 and has since won four titles and in the process built a formidable working style and helping bowlers realise their potential at the global stage. Robin Singh joined the coaching team of Mumbai Indians in 2010 and since then has been part of five IPL and two Champions League campaigns working closely with Shane Bond. Robin’s stint with UAE cricket will also help as MI Emirates expands MI’S cricket philosophy in the UAE.
“Parthiv Patel has represented Mumbai Indians in the past and since 2020 been a part of the talent scouting team, and Vinay Kumar, who is also a former MI player joined the scouting team in 2021. Both Parthiv and Vinay were a part of Mumbai Indians’ winning campaigns in 2015 and 2017,” said Mumbai Indians in a statement on Saturday.