Abu Dhabi // The winds of change in UAE cricket are gathering pace after the selection of a new captain, Ahmed Raza, and 16-year-old Yodhin Punja in their squad to face Hong Kong next month.
The elite game is in the throes of an overhaul, with central contracts set to be available for the first time, as well as a new national academy in the planning.
The national team played at World Cups in both the 50 and 20-over formats over the past 18 months, but a number of key players have since moved on.
Reliable batsmen such as Khurram Khan and Saqib Ali have retired, and coach Aaqib Javed has said the next 18 months will be spent constructing a new side to carry the UAE into the future.
Sharjah-born Raza has been entrusted with the leadership of the new-look side for the four-day Intercontinental Cup match against Hong Kong, as well as the 50-overs World Cricket League fixtures that follow.
“We have to make a new Khurram Khan, a new Saqib Ali, or a new Mohammed Tauqir,” said Raza, who spent much of the recent past as vice-captain to Khurram.
“They have gone now and we need to look to the future. We have a good blend of experience and new players, and there is a lot of responsibility on senior players like me. We have to lead the way.
“It is up to all of us to put up our hand and show we can be the next Khurram Khan for UAE cricket.”
pradley@thenational.ae
