Exciting Times for Cricket in the Emirates

Although it is not the highest profile of cricketing nations, most enthusiasts from around the world will be aware of the contribution the United Arab Emirates has made to the game over the years, particularly through the use of Sharjah Stadium as an international venue.

Indeed, that ground has hosted more One-Day Internationals (199) than any other venue in the world and the cricket-loving residents of the UAE have been treated to some great matches, both at Sharjah and about 100km south at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

But the national team of the UAE has not always been among those performing at the highest level and this year represents a huge opportunity to return to the forefront of Associate cricket when its national team takes part in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in South Africa from 1 to 19 April.

One man who has helped shape the fortunes of UAE cricket for many years is Mazhar Khan, a dedicated administrator who knows just how important qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2011 is for the game in the UAE.

‘Qualification would be a huge boost to cricket here,’ said Mazhar.

‘There are so many reasons for this. It would give the players opportunities to perform more regularly against top sides. It would create a seriousness around cricket here and help to improve the infrastructure and facilities that we have on offer,’ he said.

Of course, if the UAE does come in the top four of the qualifier in South Africa, thus making it through to the big event in 2011, it would not be the first time the country has achieved that feat. In 1996, under the captaincy of Sultan Zarawani, the UAE took part in the CWC in Asia managing to win one match, against fellow Associate qualifier the Netherlands, at Lahore.

‘That was a great experience for those players and the current team is now determined to make sure they don’t miss out,’ said Mazhar.

These days, there is so much more at stake than just a place in the CWC. With extra funding promised from the ICC to help the four qualifiers prepare as well as possible, along with ODI status afforded to all their matches against other ODI teams, not to mention the extra publicity and profile qualification will bring with its associated opportunities for attracting new commercial partners, the importance of the qualifying tournament cannot be overestimated.

‘It’s going to be a tough tournament. I think Ireland, Scotland and Namibia are probably the form teams. The ICC has worked hard to raise the quality of cricket in the Associate world and I think through competitions like the ICC Intercontinental Cup and World Cricket League they are doing just that.

‘I have noticed an improvement in the technique among the players and the fitness levels have also improved. With teams playing 10 matches in 19 days fitness is going to be a big factor in the World Cup Qualifier,’ said Mazhar.

‘It’s an exciting time for cricket in the UAE with Dubai Sports City and the ICC Global Cricket Academy being built on our doorstep. We have good junior programmes running in schools in order to bring in more indigenous local layers and I think we are succeeding. To qualify for the World Cup would give all those projects a huge lift as far as cricket in the UAE is concerned.’