Fahad Al Hashmi is still hopeful of representing the UAE national outdoor team and is adamant he must seize his chance at the Indoor World Cup if he wants to earn a recall after a two-year absence.
Al Hashmi, 35, has not played for his country since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee during his team’s 146-run defeat to South Africa at the 2015 World Cup in Wellington, New Zealand.
Despite being fully fit, the fast-bowler has struggled to force his way back into the outdoor set-up but impressed the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) selectors during the trials to be named in the UAE 12-man squad for next month’s Indoor World Cup at Dubai’s Insportz Club.
While Al Hashmi says it’s a privilege to have made the cut, he knows the global tournament is the perfect opportunity to break his way back into head coach Dougie Brown’s plans.
“I’m really proud to have been selected and to represent the UAE again,” said Al Hashmi, who has won 21 international caps.
“After my long-term injury, I’m now fit and ready to represent my country again.
“I’m still hopeful that I have an international future with the outdoor UAE team. I have been given a golden chance and I do think I can bowl 10 overs because I don’t have any problems.
“The Indoor World Cup is the right platform to show people that I’m at my level best. I want to prove that I can play but I know if I want to have any hope of coming back into the team, I will have to take a lot of wickets, bowl very good overs and keep fit in the tournament.”
Although he has been in exile, Al Hashmi remains in the Emirates Cricket Board’s (ECB) plans through one of their initiatives. Since April, Al Hashmi is one of four Emirati cricketers to have been put through their paces through a series a fitness and skill sessions aimed at developing their game.
That has seen him work with the UAE coaching staff, including head coach Brown, assistant Dominic Telo and strength and conditioning coach Peter Kelly.
He said: “Having been out of action for so long and always wanting to develop myself, I’ve been going to the ICC Academy for a series of coaching sessions. The ECB is really supporting me and people like Dougie Brown, Dominic Telo and Peter Kelly have really helped me. I’m now performing well and feel good with the ball in taking wickets.
“Dougie has been satisfied with me and I’m doing what he says and I have improved a lot. So let’s see what happens. I just want to give my level best and hope we do well.”
