'We need more time for cricket'

On return to UAE, Ali was removed as captain for the Asian Cricket Council Trophy.

In a candid interview, Ali spoke about the Asia Cup experience and on what is needed for the UAE to emerge as a strong cricketing nation.

Gulf News: How did you find the Asia Cup experience?

Saqib Ali: It was a wonderful experience to play along with teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

What was the feeling like when you played a strong team like Sri Lanka?

When we walked on to the field to play against them frankly we were a bit tense. The fact that they all are experienced players was in the back of our minds. But once we were on the field and got used to the conditions and we felt that it was not a big deal to play against such a strong team.

What was your team lacking in?

Our strong point is our batting strength but we did not click. To be honest our batsmen, which includes myself, could not get enough runs. Our middle order batting did fail. It was disappointing. We hope to learn from this failure and do better next time.

Do you think that the team did not train enough to your satisfaction for the tournament?

We could have trained more but all our players are employed and it is not possible to train hard. We always come for practice after working the whole day. We are not professionals like the Sri Lankan and Bangladesh players. They have nothing else to do but only play. Still, we tried our best.

So do you feel that only when UAE cricketers turn professionals they will be able to beat top teams?

When you take on top teams like Sri Lanka we have to be good in all departments of the game. We cannot win by just having a strong batting line up. A small drawback in our batting bowling or fielding is enough for a strong team to capitalise on it.

Do you think your players were nervous too?

Yes of course. Eight members of our team were making their One-day international debut. Only Arshad Ali, Khurram Khan and Mohammad Tauqir had played in One-dayers. Even I was making my One-day debut.

In the past UAE had beaten Bangladesh but are they now unbeatable?

No they are beatable. We played positively against them and tried hard but could not beat them. For the last four to five years they have been playing against very strong teams like Australia and South Africa. This is showing in their performance.

So do you feel that if only UAE too can get to play against top teams they can improve their standard?

Of course we need to play against at least the A teams from the top countries. We have enough talent here but we need to keep playing.

Does that mean the amount of time spend on cricket by the UAE players is not sufficient?

Everyone knows that professional cricketers eat, drink and sleep cricket. He will not have any tension about work. We get to train only after office hours. We train till late into the night, then early morning we rush for work. Then after working whole day we drive through the heavy traffic to return for practice. Sometimes, by the time we reach here, we are fagged out. Still because of our passion for the game we train hard and give our best.

Are you disappointed that you have been removed from the captaincy?

No not at all. Khurram Khan is much senior to me and I am only happy that he is taking up the captaincy. I love to see him lead the side and it is no problem for me.

Have your say
What will it take for the UAE cricket team, or any cricket team, to become unbeatable? Share your views.

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