UAE cricketers out to impress with contracts up for grabs

Denzil Pinto 07:07 28/11/2015
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  • Casting his eye over options: Aaqib Javed.

    There will be a new-look UAE team on Saturday when they take on England Lions as the players aim to impress coach Aaqib Javed with professional contracts set to come into place.

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    The Twenty20 friendly at ICC Academy will be the second game since the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) announced the news and while there’s no time frame when it will be introduced, Javed has confirmed he will use the three-match Lions series as an opportunity for the cricketers to make their case.

    UAE captain Ahmed Raza and wicket-keeper Saqlain Haider are two of the familiar faces in the 18-man squad but the others are recently called up.

    “With news that we will be offering a contract to some of the players, it gives me a chance to see the players in action and give them an opportunity to make their case,” said Javed.

    “I wanted to keep it to 18 people so they can play the three games. Some are not qualified to play a full international game yet but with this being a practice game, it can give us an insight into what the UAE team would look like after one year. There is quite a lot of promising players. It’s a good chance for them to show what they have got.”

    Pacers Mohammad Ayaz and Aamir Hayat have been singled out by Javed as well as leg-spinner Imran Hider, who took two wickets in the 79-run defeat to England XI on Monday.

    “All three have very good vision and knowledge and know how to bowl in the right lengths,” he said. “But the England Lions side will be very strong as they will have some up-and-coming players who could go on and play for England in a few years time. I hope we can put on a good show.”

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