UAE’s celebrated batsman Khurram Khan believes his final year in international cricket was his best as he fulfilled a dream of playing the World Cup and ended up with a coveted award from the International Cricket Council.
The 44-year-old was key to UAE’s qualification to the 2015 World Cup that led to the ICC adjudging him as the Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year.
More honours came on Monday when the Dubai Cricket Council felicitated Khurram along with former UAE captains Mohammad Tauqir and Saqib Ali.
– ICC: Financial balance needs to be found
– Memon: The cricketing year in review
– LIVE: Cricket scores around the world
Khurram was presented Dh10,000 for becoming the first UAE player to receive the ICC award, while Tauqir and Ali, who could not attend the ceremony as he was ill, were given Dh3,000 each.
With UAE making it to the World Cup after a 19-year wait, Khurram’s much-cherished wish was granted but more surprises were in store once he announced his retirement in June after an Inter Continental Cup game against Ireland.
He was pencilled in for the inaugural Masters Cricket League to be played in the UAE later this month with his team Sagittarius Strikers being led by Australian legend Adam Gilchrist.
The ICC honour was the icing on the cake followed by the ceremony by his parent council.
“Last year was one of the best years of my cricketing life. I played the World Cup (for the first time), got selected for the Masters Cricket League and was declared Associate Player of the Year. Everything came together in my last year. It was kind of a perfect finish for me,” Khurram told Sport360.
The former captain, who played in the UAE colours for 10 years since making his first-class debut against Nepal in 2004, was delighted atbeing honoured by the DCC.
The ICC Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year for 2015 is Khurram Khan #ICCAwards pic.twitter.com/ZHQxgpSenV
— ICC (@ICC) December 23, 2015
“Dubai Cricket Council is where I started playing when I came to UAE in 1996 (from Pakistan). I have played cricket here for almost 20 years so to be recognised by the council feels great. I remember the old days playing on cement tracks and sandy grounds but now the DCC provide such good facilities for cricketers.
“I am really proud and thankful to be part of it. It’s good to see former cricketers’ efforts being recognised. Tauqir was here and Saqib could not make it because he was sick. It’s a nice gesture on their behalf.”
Khurram is now padding up for his next innings in the MCL and playing alongside Gilchrist.
“I’m thinking that as well. I’m trying to get back in form. Have started hitting a few balls so hopefully when the league starts, I’m in good shape and I can score some runs.”
DCC chairman Abdul Rahman Falaknaz handed the cheques to the players during the ceremony held at the residence of DCC vice-chairman Mohammad Redha Abbas in the presence of Emirates Cricket Board chief David East, Sharjah Cricket Council’s Waleed Bukhatir and Abu Dhabi Cricket Council’s Inam-ul Haq. DCC officials Amin Farooq and Shiva Pagarani were also present.
Fearless he is! Bring it on #KhurramKhan @SagiStrikers @MCL2020UAE #MCL2020UAE #UAE pic.twitter.com/eQf55oRU3U
— Sagittarius Strikers (@SagiStrikers) December 15, 2015
Tauqir, who led the UAE at the World Cup last year, hailed DCC’s gesture and his teammate Khurram for his contribution to UAE cricket.
“I am very pleased to receive this honour,” the 43-year-old said. “Khurram’s been a tremendous cricketer for UAE and I’m very happy for him,” he added.
DCC honorary secretary Farooq believes all three cricketers who were honoured “have their place in UAE’s cricket hall of fame.”
He added: “Khurram is by one of the best all-rounders for UAE in the last two decades. He can hold his own at any level.
“Tauqir led the UAE exceptionally well during the ICC World Cup and was among the top spinners in the emirate.
“Saqib’s an excellent workhorse for UAE. He came to UAE after playing junior cricket for Pakistan and he is still playing domestic cricket here.”
