With cricket booming across the UAE, Sport360° decided to sit down each week with one local cricketer to find out more about the players that make up the sport in the Emirates.
This week we spoke to MMS Rental Muqboot all-rounder Haider Butt.
Age: 25
Position: All-rounder
Born: Abu Dhabi
Best match you watched: Punjab Kings XI v Kolkata Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi this year. I support Kings XI and the atmosphere at the stadium along with the win made it a great match.
First cricket match you saw: Pakistan v Australia in the 1999 World Cup Final.
Favourite format of the game to watch: T20. It’s the most entertaining form of the game and it’s non-stop action.
Favourite player in the Pakistan team: Ahmad Shehzad because he is a great batsman and plays his shots perfectly.
First piece of cricket equipment you bought or given: I received a bat from the team sponsors when I was 24.
One stadium you would like to visit: Melbourne Cricket Ground because it attracts a good crowd and is a beautiful stadium.
Favourite player at the moment: Glenn Maxwell. He executes his shots perfectly and really is one of the in-form players at the moment.
Favourite TV sporting moment: Ronnie O’Sullivan defending his World Snooker Championship in 2013. I’m a big snooker fan and O’Sullivan is a great player.
Other sports you play: Snooker, football and badminton.
Favourite meal: Chicken and pasta.
Best thing about playing cricket in the UAE : With no work to worry about, you get to have some enjoyment playing cricket with your friends.
