UAE batsman Shaiman Anwar hopes to feature in Twenty20 league

Denzil Pinto 08:07 24/12/2015
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  • Keep going: Anwar feels if he continues to work hard, he can play in PSL one day.

    UAE batsman Shaiman Anwar was disappointed not to be picked for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) but still hopes to play in the T20 tournament in the future.

    The 36-year-old opener had a year to remember, becoming the first UAE batsman to score a World Cup century, scoring 106 against Ireland in March.

    He ended this year strongly with three straight half-centuries including a 54 against Oman in a Twenty20 in Abu Dhabi last month.

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    Those efforts saw him rewarded with a spot in this week’s PSL player draft which included some of the biggest names in world cricket. 

    But his dream of playing in next year’s tournament in the UAE in February ended there after not 
    being selected as one of the 98 players in the two-day draft.

    “It was quite disappointing not to be chosen in the Pakistan Super League,” said Anwar.  

    “Just to be selected in the Pakistan Super League player draft is an amazing achievement. It makes me more determined to do better than ever and work even harder next year and hopefully I can play in Pakistan Super League one day.

    “I can still look back at 2015 as a good year. It all began at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.       

    “To score a century and to become the first UAE player to do so in a World Cup was a fantastic feeling and that set that benchmark for a good 2015.

    “Playing in the World Cup was a great experience. To play against world class players like MS Dhoni, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers was truly memorable and I can imagine the PSL will be a similar tournament with a special atmosphere.” 

    Anwar hopes this isn’t the end of UAE players being involved in future editions, saying the current players can excel.

    “I really hope the fact that I was in the PSL player draft is the start of something for UAE players to 
    aspire to,” he said.

    “They just have to look at me as an example. I’m 36 years old but I still performed well and was recognised for my achievements. There are a lot of good UAE players coming through and if they can work hard, then anything is possible. 

    “They can play in the PSL or even the other big T20 tournaments around the world.”

    While he might not be on the field, Anwar plans to watch some of the games. “It will be a really exciting tournament. Kevin Pietersen and Chris Gayle will be among the stars playing so it will be great matches and hope I can be there to watch at least some of the games.”

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