Obaid, Omar follow in father Tauqir’s footsteps
dubai — Desert Cubs Cricket Academy (DCCA) is set to become a breeding ground for Emirati talent, having roped in the children of UAE’s World Cup cricket captain Mohammad Tauqir.
The two young sons of UAE’s cricket legend, Obaid, 13, and Omar, 8, are determined to continue the legacy of their illustrious father, cheered on by their sibling Ayesha, 12, who is into athletics.
Tauqir lauded the pathway programme and principal objectives of DCCA, a leading cricket academy in the Gulf, headed by former Sri Lanka international Presley Polonnowita.
Obaid and Omar started playing cricket almost two years ago but have been with Desert Cubs for the past six months.
“Of course, when they have seen me playing throughout my life, especially in the World Cup, they naturally had inclination towards the game. I have never forced them. They have taken it up with their own interest. They like the game and follow the game. I only support and encourage them to be engaged in physical activity. That’s very good to develop their whole personality, team work and all aspects of life. Sports is very important for all the youngsters,” said Tauqir, who has dedicated his life to UAE cricket.
“I would love to see my children represent UAE. At the same time, it has to be their commitment also. I want them to work very hard to take up the game. If they are good enough and they have developed their game to represent UAE, then why not. They should be given opportunity but at the same time it is good if other Emirati youngsters also take up the game,” he said.
Obaid declared his intentions of emulating his father and is clear in how to achieve his objectives.
“I love playing cricket. I’ve been playing since I was four years old. My grandfather took me to the park and we started playing. I started enjoying cricket because it was a family thing. I want to be like my dad, captain the UAE team by first playing in the under 19 teams,” said Obaid, a fast bowling all-rounder, who models himself on South African legend Jacques Kallis.
“I just love hitting the ball. It feels nice,” said Obaid’s younger sibling Omar, a left-arm spinner and right-hand batsman, whose favourite cricketer is West Indian Master Blaster Vivian Richards.
“My aim is to promote cricket among UAE nationals. That is the future of cricket. I know Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and all the other nationals have come here and played. If we think of future cricket in UAE, it has to be through locals. That’s why through Desert Cubs I’m trying to encourage UAE nationals to come here and get trained and represent their own country,” said Polonnowita, who coached Emirates Cricket Board ‘A’ team in a home series.