Al Hashmi set for unique cricket World Cup double

Fahad Al Hashmi will complete his return from what appeared to be a potentially career-ending knee injury when he represents the UAE at a World Cup for the second time next month.

The Emirati fast bowler ruptured cruciate ligaments when fielding off his own bowling against AB de Villiers, when the UAE played South Africa in Wellington in the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

The hard work he devoted to his recuperation, which involved reconstructive surgery in Germany, earned the reward yesterday of being named in the 12-man squad for the indoor cricket World Cup in Dubai in September.

He will complete a unique double when he adds playing in the indoor format to the appearance he made at the 50over, outdoor version two and a half years ago. He will become the first UAE player to do so.

“I feel good to be back on the ground representing the UAE, and I am proud to be the first UAE national who will play in two World Cups – indoor and outdoor,” Al Hashmi, 35, said.

“I struggled a lot, but I always wished this opportunity would come for me again to represent the country. I have been trying my level best to get back in the team.”

Al Hashmi only took up the indoor version last year, after a change of jobs from the Dubai police to the logistics department of Al Futtaim.

“I started playing indoor cricket when I joined my new company in 2016,” he said.

“At first I found it difficult, but after some time everything was good. I came to know the game, and started to find it easier than outdoor cricket.”

Vikrant Shetty, who also represented the national team on the global stage outdoors when he played at the World T20 in Bangladesh in 2014, is also in the squad.

Ramveer Rai and Sameer Nayak, who have played international cricket for the senior UAE team, also feature in a squad that will be captained by Saqib Nazir.

“These players have been exceptionally committed to their training, throughout the year, and their efforts have been rewarded by selection to represent the UAE,” said Zayed Abbas, the Emirates Cricket board spokesman.

“Hosting the 2017 World Cup is a very proud moment for the Emirates Cricket Board. We are delighted with the calibre of the countries that are participating, and we are confident our UAE players have the skills and attitude to challenge the best.”