Javed, 35, has made an instant impact since taking the armband in the T20 format in February.
In his first game against Scotland, the all-rounder struck 76 and took three wickets as the UAE won by nine runs, before a historic five-run triumph over Ireland in Abu Dhabi – their first in 15 years over the European outfit.
His troops defied the odds by beating Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Oman to claim the lone automatic spot for the Asia Cup main round in Bangladesh.
As the weakest side on paper against the continent’s Asian heavyweights, the UAE proved they were no pushovers, providing stern tests in their losses to Sri Lanka and Pakistan before being outclassed by Bangladesh and eventual winners India in the group stage.
Their performances did not go unnoticed with opposition players and coaches praising the UAE’s efforts. And former team-mate Khurram was happy by how Javed, who finished as top wicket-taker in the tournament with 12 scalps, settled into his new role.
“Before the Asia Cup, the team was good but they were just not clicking,” said the ex-skipper, who retired from international duty in June last year.
“The most interesting thing was Amjad Javed’s leadership skills. It was amazing and he took the initiative and changed everything.”
Besides playing together for the national side, both were team-mates at Emirates on the domestic circuit and the 44-year-old was bowled over by Javed’s qualities.
“Definitely, I’m surprised by how well he’s done in a short time,” said the Khurram, who was named 2015 ICC Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year.
“I have played under his captaincy when I was playing for Emirates and even during those days, the team wasn’t doing so well and then he took charge and did well in some matches and leagues. He did exceptionally well for the UAE and I have the utmost respect for him.”
He added: “The one thing I like about him is that he’s aggressive. When I was captaining the UAE, he was one of those guys that if the team was not doing well and the bowlers were getting hammered, he would ask for the ball and say he can do the job and get the guy out. Even in batting, he wasn’t afraid of playing the big shots and he has that strong initiative that he wants to make a difference.
“He bowled and batted very well at the Asia Cup. He led from the front and everyone responded to him. The guys performed very well and everything is now coming together under his captaincy. I definitely think there’s a bright future.”
Ahmed Raza, who was part of the 15-man squad for the competition, remains captain of the four-day and 50-over formats and Khurram believes the spinner will have learnt a lot from Javed.
“The whole Asia Cup experience will benefit Raza,” he said.
“Ahmed will have seen that the team has gelled well and the players have performed extremely well.
“He will have taken a lot of positives from this because there was no pressure on him. He wasn’t the captain and he will have learnt a lot from Javed. Raza is a fantastic captain and this must have been a great learning curve for him.”
