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CP Rizwan’s cricketing career didn’t really take off, and the electrical engineer from Kerala, like many in his state, moved to the Gulf after finding work in Sharjah. Eight years later, the 34-year-old is making a splash on the pitch. On Friday, the UAE Cricket Board named Rizwan the captain of the Asian Cup qualifiers. If Rizwan’s UAE wins the qualifiers, they will be in the same group with heavyweights India and Pakistan.
“If we qualify and play against India, it will definitely be special. But we just want to focus on one step at a time,” Rizwan told Indian Express. United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Hong Kong and Singapore will compete for a spot in the group stage.
From not being able to win games for his form in the Ranji Trophy to leading the national team, Ridzwan’s cricketing fortunes have changed for the better.
Rizwan, a leg-turner turned batsman, hails from Thalassery, a cricket centre that dates back to British rule.
Rizwan made his name in age group cricket and represented Kerala in the Cooch Behar trophy under 19 and was part of the under 23 team. Rizwan also toured South Africa with the Kerala team, which included Sanju Samson. But he was unable to progress further as he took a break from the sport to complete his engineering degree. After finishing school, he tried to make a comeback but was unable to replicate his success in the upper age group. He was named to the Ranji Trophy team, but on the bench.
Migrating to the UAE to work has also given his cricket career a new lease of life. His international career has now reached new heights. Ridzwan walked out to lead his team against Kuwait on Sunday.
Last year, Ridzwan scored his first international century (109 points) in a one-day international against Ireland when the team came under pressure on 3-for-51 shooting. Rizwan and Mohammad Usman added 184 for the fourth wicket. The two centurions helped the UAE chase 270 wickets, with six wickets on hand and a spare.
“I am very happy and honoured to lead the UAE national team. We have been doing well in the T20 Championships. Our players have also played a lot of T20 matches on the domestic tour. But having said that, we have to be on a specific day to get it right the way to perform skills,” Rizwan said.
In former India all-rounder Robin Singh, the UAE have an experienced coach to guide their newly appointed captain.
“We’ve been working hard under coach Robin Singer. He’s a guy with a good work ethic and that quality has affected the players. We’ve been training well and hopefully everything will be in place,” Rizwan, who has played 29 ODIs and seven T20Is for the UAE, said.
The electrical engineer, who graduated from the Cochin University of Technology, had the opportunity to return home when he found a job in the postal service, but he decided not to move.
His performances in UAE domestic competitions with teams such as Yogi Group, Bukhatir XI and Interface eventually opened the door for the UAE national team.
Rizwan made his first appearance for his adoptive country in the ODI against Nepal in January 2019 after fulfilling the requirement to live in the UAE for four years.
“Yes, it can be said that my decision (to stay in the UAE) has been proven. I just want to thank all the coaches, friends, family and relatives and the Almighty who have helped me during this journey,” said Ridvan.
Former India women’s fielding coach Biju George saw Rizwan from Under-23 Kerala.
“Rizwan is a full-hearted player. He’s a confident and street-smart player and I think, as captain, he can be an asset to the UAE team,” said George.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have chosen the split captain, with Ahmed Raza leading the ODI team.
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