Javed says good coach can turn UAE around
‘These boys are talented, but a good coach has to make them believe these dreams are achievable’
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Former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed, who took UAE cricket to unprecedented heights as head coach, is upset with the UAE’s slide since his departure. By gaining One Day International (ODI) status, qualifying for two World Cups, the Under-19 World Cup and the ■ Asia Cup, UAE cricket progressed immensely in the four-year tenure under Javed.
However, there has been a dip in performance since he left — the latest setback being UAE’s loss to Hong Kong that resulted in their absence at the Asia Cup at home.
“Losing to teams like Hong Kong is unacceptable,” Javed said. “It shows that there is a problem and it needs to be attended urgently. You need people who should feel hurt when the team loses. Those who don’t feel that should go. Try and bring a person who knows their psyche and has to be ambitious.”
Task not easy
Javed, who is here in the UAE as coach of Lahore Qalandars to take part in Abu Dhabi T20 tournament, recalls that his task with the UAE team wasn’t easy with the team comprising mainly expats shuttling between work and play.
“Now most of them are full-time players but that was not the case when I started,” he said. “The players need someone as coach who can understand their problems from the heart. Their problems are completely different as they come from remote places, have a whole lot of family issues and finances are always a worry. If I speak to them now, I’m telling you they will not sleep as there are so many opportunities in front of them.
Javed said there were times when he had to pay from his own pocket to ease the worries of his wards and make them focus on the sport. “These boys are talented and have dreams, but a good coach has to make them believe that these dreams are achievable,” he said. “You cannot let the team lag behind when teams like Afghanistan and Hong Kong are taking giant strides.”
Javed went on to give the example of UAE captain Rohan Mustafa. “Rohan was back in his native place and had a ban on him,” he said. “He had visa issues and we brought him back and he is your captain now. I had to go out of the way to get that sorted.
“All I asked for is three hours out of their daily routine from the players. I told them if you give me that, your efficiency in office, at home and your game can improve. Ahmed Raza lost 10 to 12kg in a couple of months. They started enjoying life and then they never looked back.
“By now at least three players should have been playing in big leagues from the 10 professional players we had then.”
Meanwhile, in the opening match of Abu Dhabi T20 League yesterday, Boost Defenders (205-5) defeated Auckland Aces (170-5) by 35 runs.