UAE coach Aaqib Javed has described Khurram Khan’s ICC Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year award as an “outstanding” achievement, saying the 44-year-old is a perfect role model for all players to look up to.
Former captain Khurram became the first UAE player to win the top accolade yesterday for his contribution in 2015. The batsman showed his potential by scoring 425 runs in nine ODIs before ending his 14-year international career in June shortly after the World Cup.
The prestigious title is a fitting tribute and Khurram credited the success to the UAE.
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“To be the first UAE cricketer to win this award makes it even more special,” said the veteran, who scored more than 5,000 runs in all formats.
“This award is for all the UAE players I played with as well as for the Emirates Cricket Board, which gave me the opportunity to fulfil my childhood dream of playing in a World Cup.”
Khurram has been a mainstay of UAE cricket since making his debut in 2004, leading them to their first World Cup since 1996.
His 132 against Afghanistan last November put him in the record books as the oldest ODI centurion at 43 years and 62 days old and that knock is one of many that has helped UAE’s rise in the game.
It’s no surprise Javed, who has worked with Khurram since taking up the coaching role in 2012, had nothing but praise for the UAE hero.
“It’s an outstanding achievement for Khurram,” said the 1992 World Cup winner.
“He’s the best role model for the Associate players. I’ve been really impressed with his approach and skill level and the way he served the UAE; he really did inspire his team-mates and it’s a well deserved award.”
He added: “I’m not surprised that Khurram’s won this award. If you look at his performances over the years they’ve been remarkable.
“I think it’s amazing that ICC are now considering Associate players and it’s a good boost for the UAE and other Associate nations.”
One man who has been grateful to Khurram is new UAE captain Ahmed Raza. The 27-year-old spinner was just 10 years old when he saw the batsman play at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
They were later international team-mates and Raza insists the feat is a great end to Khurram’s career.
Huge congrats to #MCL2020 hero n EmiratesCricket ex-captain #khurramkhan on ur associate player of d yr from ICC https://t.co/QQhMslJEzv
— ICC Live Scores (@ICCLive832) December 23, 2015
“To be honest, I felt he should have won this award a long time ago,” said the Interface player.
“It was a pleasure playing alongside him and I have learnt a lot from him. He’s got a such a great personality and he’s very humble on and off the field. The way he carried the UAE flag has been very remarkable.”
He added: “As a leader, he always led from the front. He really showed his captain spirit and would make sure everything benefitted the team. He has qualities that only a few players have.”
Raza hopes he can follow in Khurram’s footsteps and win the award one day.
“I hope I can achieve as much as he has done,” he said. “I want to be the main man and he’s someone that I look up to.
“It shows that even when you are in your 40s, you can still claim big awards. It’s my aim to win this award and becoming the best Associate player is something that I can work towards. Khurram’s achievements can inspire all young cricketers in the UAE.”
