Emirates Cricket Board has appointed Paul Franks as interim head coach ahead of UAE Cricket’s ICC Intercontinental Cup (ICup) and World Cricket League (WCL) 2016 campaigns. UAE will play Scotland, in Aberdeen, during August.
On loan to UAE Cricket from Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, Franks has built a strong relationship with the UAE players through his previous role as assistant coach during the UAE’s participation in the 2015 Cricket World Cup and the Asia Cup, recently held in Bangladesh.
Having graduated from the England and Wales Cricket Board’s Level 4 Elite Coach Development Programme and with a growing reputation as one of the UK’s brightest young coaches, the former England all-rounder is relishing the chance to work with the UAE team again.
Paul Franks officially named as #UAE #Cricket interim head coach. Will take charge of #UAE's ICup & WCL campaign https://t.co/HljSxIhNV0
— UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket) July 1, 2016
‘’The opportunity to work with the UAE again was one I really couldn’t turn down and I’m very grateful to the management at Nottinghamshire for releasing me for this period of time. Moving from an assistant role to the role of acting head coach will be a challenge, but we’re going to playing in conditions I’m very familiar with and I have a strong bond and a great relationship with the playing group and captain, they understand that I have high standards, but at the same time I know they trust me to support them each step of the way.” Franks said.
David East, Emirates Cricket Board’s CEO commented, “We are very pleased to have Paul join the UAE team in the capacity of interim head coach. The ICC ICup and WCL tournaments are integral to our competitiveness on the international stage, as well as to our continued ranking and status.”
“Paul has sound, detailed knowledge of our team dynamics, having worked within our team for past international tournaments, and we are confident Paul will be a positive and effective influence on the team during our upcoming campaign against Scotland.”
“The entire squad and staff understand how important this tour is for the UAE team and for Emirates Cricket Board. I’ll be ensuring that we leave no stone un-turned in our preparation to ensure we give ourselves the best possible chance of success against what will be a strong Scotland side in their own conditions in Aberdeen.’’ added Franks.
Departing the Emirates on Tuesday July 26, the UAE team will enter a 10-day preparation camp in Hampshire and Jersey. UAE’s 4-day ICup will be played August 9th through 12th, followed by the 2-day 50-over WCL on August 14th and 16th. All matches will be played at Mannofield Park, Aberdeen, Scotland.
