The Emirates Cricket Board has officially announced the team that will represent the UAE at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-16 Western Region tournament.
In showing the Emirates Cricket Board’s unwavering commitment to developing local talent, Emirati U16 middle-order batsman and spin-bowler, Obaid Tauqir, has been selected for the team.
Zayed Abbas, Emirates Cricket Board member and spokesperson, said: “We are very excited and proud to select Obaid and provide him with this opportunity. It remains a mandate of the board to grow our Emirati youth cricketers into UAE representative players who will stand on the domestic, regional and international stage.
“We are confident he will receive a valuable and rewarding experience through his competing at the ACC U16 tournament, and playing alongside experienced and talented players.”
With a strong number of Emirati youths currently being introduced to the sport through Emirates Cricket’s Pinsent Masons Emirati Development Programme (EDP), which is conducted at various local schools across the UAE, the selection of Tauqir will no doubt be noticed and provide these youths with a strong Emirati role model.
Tauqir will also relish in the depth and experience of his fellow team-mates, especially under the captaincy and guidance of U16 domestic and regional stalwart-player and leader Adithya Shetty.
Mohamed Tauqir, UAE national teams’ selector and former UAE men’s captain who led them at the 2015 Cricket World Cup 2015, added: “This is a great milestone for Emirates Cricket, and one we thank the board for.
“Obaid has been working very hard on his game over the last three years; with his local academy (Desert Cricket Cubs Academy – Sharjah), actively involved in school-led tournaments, as well as exposed to ECB’s various age-group competitions.
“Obaid’s coaches at his school (Victoria International School – Sharjah) and his academy have been very supportive and have recognised his potential. As an Emirati, this is an outstanding opportunity for him to represent his country and embrace the chance to enhance his cricketing skills.”
To be played in a 35-overs-a-side format, hosted in Oman, the tournament will commence on Monday, October 21, and continue through to October 29. The UAE have been drawn into Pool A alongside Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iran with Pool B showcasing Qatar, the Maldives, Kuwait and hosts Oman.
UAE squad:
Adithya Shetty (C), Soorya Sathish, Kai Smith, Chris Sequeira, Muhammad Babar, Rudra Mahadev, Aayan Khan, Harshit Seth, Ali Naseer, Jash Giyanani, Muhammad Zuhaib, Rishit Sharma, Annant Bhargava, Obaid Tauqir
