Riyan, 18, enjoyed a successful 18 months at England’s Ardingley College until March 2012, only to return to the UAE when national selectors enquired about his availability for upcoming games.
Consequently, he was named in the national U-19 squad last year and continued to excel on the domestic circuit.
Among his memorable feats include being the youngest centurion in an Abu Dhabi Cricket Council tournament in June and that, along with his cricketing abilities, was enough to earn a place at Seaford College.
“I gave them newspaper cuttings written of me in the UAE and they were really impressed that I was scoring big against the men and that I played for the UAE youth side twice,” said the Abu Dhabi-born cricketer, who will study a business and sports course.
Although the domestic season is still months away, Riyan is eager to prove a point to Seaford College coach Chris Adams.
“Chris knows of my potential but I really want to go out there and continue where I left off,” said the ex-Zayed Academy pupil.
“I’ll be there working on my fitness and training indoors. The standard level of cricket in the UAE isn’t that high but in England, it’s a different thing.”
