Former captains Khurram Khan and Mohammad Tauqir say it is an ‘honour’ to be named on the UAE national selection committee as the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) started the process of establishing a professional set-up.
Khurram, 44, and Tauqir, 43, who both retired from international cricket last year, were selected on a four-man panel alongside ECB member Zayed Abbas and Sharjah Cricket Council vice-chairman Waleed Bukhatir, the chief selector.
The appointments are part of the ECB’s move to build a professional system with players’ central contracts expected to be announced by next month.
Tasked with identifying talent for future national squads, the selectors will attend domestic games throughout the country and work closely with local cricket councils.
A great recognition @1_PAK. Very proud to have shared in the evening with thanks to #DCC. #UAE #Cricket pic.twitter.com/y84reLjpWm
— UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket) January 5, 2016The duo will juggle their new roles with their full-time jobs. With 219 international caps between them, Khan and Tauqir bring
extensive knowledge to their roles and both are looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“I had no hesitation in joining the selection committee and it is an honour for me,” said Khan, who scored 5,743 international runs in all formats since making his debut against Nepal in 2004.
“I’ve always wanted to have some role in the UAE team after I retired. I could’ve been coaching but that would’ve been difficult with my full-time job (as a flight purser) but being on the selection panel is a good fit for me.”
The batsman, who became the oldest ODI centurion aged 43 years and 162 days in November 2014, added: “It’s good panel with all of us having a lot of experience. It’s great that Tauqir and myself are on the committee and it’s a big advantage as we know the game well.”
Despite three world class stadiums in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai and hosting Pakistan’s home series’ aswell as the the first-leg of the 2014 Indian Premier League, the sport has failed to draw in Emiratis.
The ECB have begun to address that problem by introducing a schools programme in Al Ain and besides his usual duties, Emirati Tauqir, who captained the UAE at last year’s World Cup, will also play a part in promoting the game among locals.
Ahmed Raza hails training camp as UAE build towards crucial matches: https://t.co/icEKMuLDcU @denz_360 pic.twitter.com/GU8pO999vb
— Sport360° (@Sport360) December 22, 2015“The long-term aim is to make cricket more attractive to the Emiratis and create awareness among young children,” he said.
“I will play a part in making this happen and it’s also my commitment to introduce the sport to the Emirati population.”
Tauqir, who took 85 international wickets in his 73 games, added: “To be named on the national selection committee is a great honour and I’m really excited. It was an easy decision to make when the ECB approached me.
“I understand the game and know how it’s played in the UAE. It’s exciting to be part of these plans.”
