Mohammed Shahzad, ‘not disheartened’ by World Cup absence, returns to UAE squad for UK and Ireland tour

Mohammed Shahzad has returned to the UAE squad having missed the World Cup over his suspect bowling action. Pawan Singh / The National

DUBAI // Mohammed Shahzad says he still has much to achieve in cricket despite being forced to miss out on what is likely to be his one chance to play at a World Cup.

A succession of unfortunate events meant the bespectacled all-rounder was ruled out of the UAE’s trip to Australia and New Zealand earlier this year.

Shahzad, who is the first cousin of the Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, had become a mainstay of the national side in the lead up to the competition.

However, against Afghanistan in the final series before World Cup selection, he was reported for having a suspected illegal bowling action.

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The fact he broke the thumb on his bowling hand in the same series, and was unable to grip the ball, meant he was unable to take a biomechanics test in time to have his action cleared.

He finally underwent the test on May 9 in South Africa. The results are due on May 23. In the meantime, he has been restored to the UAE squad, and Aaqib Javed, the coach, says he remains a key part of the forward plan, even if it is solely as a batsman.

Now aged 35, Shahzad’s chance at playing at a 50 over World Cup has probably gone, but he still wants to prove his worth to UAE cricket.

“I was surprised and shocked,” Shahzad said, ahead of the UAE’s trip to England on Thursday.

“It was a great opportunity. I was disappointed, but whenever the next opportunity comes along I’ll try my best to take it. I’m not disheartened.”

For the first time, Shahzad has been joined in the UAE squad by Asif Iqbal, his teammate for Danube Lions.

Iqbal has been the most consistent batsman during Danube’s run of success over the past two years, which was rewarded by his selection for this tour.

The 32-year-old batsman top scored for his side in the Bukhatir League final in Sharjah on Monday night, although at one point his future participation seemed in jeopardy.

He was hit on the head and needed medical treatment on the field while on 45. He recovered, batted on and made 88, although his side were eventually beaten by one-wicket by Al Faraa in a thrilling finish at 1am.

Iqbal’s selection should bolster the UAE’s middle-order, and Aaqib is optimistic the national team can reverse years of poor results against the Irish.

“As a team, we have built a lot of confidence,” Aaqib said. “Drawing against Ireland in Sharjah [in the Intercontinental Cup in 2013] was quite a big effort.

“The way we fought against them in the World Cup, they were actually really appreciating the progression UAE cricket has made. This is what excites me. We are moving forward.”

UAE tour to the UK and Ireland

Fixtures

May 26-28 — Three-day warm up v Scotland, Hampshire, England.

Jun 2-5 — Intercontinental Cup v Ireland, Malahide, Ireland.

Squad

Mohammed Tauqir (captain), Ahmed Raza, Amjad Ali, Amjad Javed, Asif Iqbal, Khurram Khan, Manjula Guruge, Mohammed Shahzad, Mohammed Naveed, Saqib Ali, Shaiman Anwar, Swapnil Patil, Chirag Suri, Fayyaz Ahmed

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