'Mr Cricket' Anis Sajan to follow his heart and support India in match against the UAE

Denzil Pinto 08:36 18/09/2017
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  • When both the national anthems of the UAE and India were played during a commemoration ceremony of the Indian indoor cricket team on Friday night, ‘Mr Cricket’ Anis Sajan placed his right hand over his heart.

    As his actions suggest, both countries are very dear to him. After all, he’s called the UAE his home since 1992, while his roots are deep in his home country, India.

    Since his arrival in Dubai, not only has he become a successful businessman by setting up Danube Group along with his older brother Rizwan but he has played an integral role in the UAE cricket scene.

    With a fond passion for the game, his outdoor and indoor sides Danube Lions and Danube Tigers were a dominant force in the domestic competitions, winning the majority of titles in front of them, before closing down in 2016.

    Yet, he still remains in cricket. Last month, he announced the purchase of the Gujarat Tigers franchise that will compete in the T10 League in Sharjah later this year.

    But this week, his focus is on the Indoor Cricket World Cup at InSportz Club in Dubai.

    Sajan is the mentor for India and while he has happy memories of winning top trophies, he ranks this opportunity as among the best.

    “It’s the best thing to happen,” said Sajan, who revealed he turned down an approach from the UAE having agreed to mentor India.

    “When you have had a local team which I had for the last 20 years but being recognised as a mentor for an international team like India which is my home country, then it’s right at the top. It cannot get any bigger than this.

    “I will use my business skills which is motivating. If I keep motivating my Indian cricket team, I’m sure they will do well. Having said that, they are a bunch of youngsters who are playing this cricket and have not been exposed to this format like the Australian indoor team. But give them a little time, and I’m sure they’ll improve over the years.”

    India have been impressive so far with two consecutive victories, and they sit third in the standings with 14 points.

    They face defending champions Australia this afternoon before taking on the UAE later in the evening.

    “If you ask me now, as a mentor of Team India then I definitely have to support India and want them to win,” he said when asked who he would be supporting. “My heart is on one side (India) and mind is on the other (with the UAE). But I’ll stick with my heart and wish all the best to the UAE against the other teams.”

    He’s certainly enjoying the buzz of being back in cricket but gave a strong hint that both his outdoor and indoor sides could return this season. “Hopefully, God willing. This has given me a kick to come back again and you never know, Mr Cricket Anis Sajan could well be back in cricket,” he said.

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