UAE coach Aaqib Javed believes the on-going ICC High Performance Programme (HPP) camp is the perfect preparation for his team ahead of the World Twenty20 later this month.
Ireland, Netherlands, Nepal and Hong Kong are also in the UAE for the camp, where they are undertaking net sessions, fielding and fitness drills, as well as playing a number of T20 practice matches.
“It’s (camp) going to help us,” said Javed, whose side will begin their World T20 campaign against Netherlands on March 17. “We will have played four practice games (when it ends) and I think this programme will help every team.
“It gives every team the opportunity to play against other teams which will be good for the World Twenty20 this month. We can share information with the other coaches and can assess other teams. It’s a good initiative. It will help every team to prepare well for the tournament,” he said.
UAE played two practice games against Netherlands on March 1 and 2 in Dubai, with both teams registering a victory each.
Before the end of the camp on Saturday, UAE play Hong Kong on Thursday in Sharjah and then Nepal in Dubai a day later.
Former West Indies all-rounder and current Ireland coach Phil Simmons echoes Javed’s view.
“Because of where we come from, with indoor facilities and cold winters, it is really valuable to have a camp like this before a big tournament like the ICC World Twenty20,” said the 50-year-old. “The outdoor pitches and nets, those types of things are very important for our preparation.
“Playing two practice matches here in the UAE is a big part of it. They provide a really good opportunity to test ourselves, and see what we need to work on,” added Simmons, whose side will play Worcester at Abu Dhabi Oval 2 on Friday.
Speaking on the importance of the HPP camp, ICC High Performance Manager Richard Done said: “I have no doubt that the teams will benefit enormously from the camp and the additional time together as a unit.”
