Sharjah, February 27 – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricket team’s remarkable progress is fueled by strong team camaraderie, according to head coach Lalchand Rajput. With a squad predominantly comprising players of Indian, Pakistani, and Afghan origin, their unity has helped them secure a place in the upcoming Asia Cup and push forward in the T20 World Cup qualifiers.
Some members of the UAE squad have previously served as net bowlers in Dubai for teams playing the Champions Trophy, bowling to the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rajput believes such experiences have shaped their game and instilled confidence in them.
Asia Cup and T20 World Cup Aspirations
Speaking after an intense four-hour training session at the Sharjah Cricket Ground, Rajput expressed optimism about the team’s future.“It’s a great achievement to qualify for the Asia Cup. Playing against top teams like India and Pakistan will be a confidence booster for our players,” Rajput said. “We are also in the final stages of the T20 World Cup qualifiers, having topped our group, and will now push to secure a World Cup spot.”
With the ICC Academy in Dubai allocated to Champions Trophy teams, UAE’s 35-member core group has been training rigorously in Sharjah.
Team Unity: UAE’s Strength
Rajput emphasized the importance of team bonding, which he considers the squad’s unique selling point.“We have a good mix of Indian and Pakistani players, and the dressing room atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone supports each other, which strengthens the team’s performance,” he said.
Many UAE players have prior experience playing domestic cricket at the U-16 and U-19 levels in their home countries, and some have even competed in first-class cricket. This experience, according to Rajput, has greatly benefited the team.
Building for the Future: Red-Ball Cricket and World Cup Preparation
Rajput is also focusing on developing the UAE team in the longer formats.“Exposure is key, which is why we have introduced red-ball cricket. Playing 90-over matches will help build endurance and adaptability for 50-over games as well. We have 21 crucial matches ahead, and winning most of them is our goal,” he explained.
The team has been training with SG balls, which offer more seam movement, as preparation for the World Cup Qualifier League 2 in the Netherlands.
ICC’s Role in UAE Cricket Growth
Acknowledging the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) contribution, Rajput credited the governing body for cricket’s rising prominence in the UAE.“Cricket has flourished here due to ICC’s support. Dubai hosts numerous international matches, and with the ICC headquarters here, the game is naturally growing,” he noted.
Emerging UAE Cricket Stars
Rajput highlighted some of the most promising players in his squad, including Rahul Chopra, Mohammad Wasim, Tanvi Suri, Junaid Siddique, Javedullah, Simranjeet, and Ayaan Khan.With a strong team spirit and a focus on both short and long formats, UAE cricket is on a promising trajectory, aiming for bigger milestones in the international arena.