Sport | Cricket

Job well done as coach bids adieu

The former Pakistan player was successful in instilling confidence in the UAE cricketers during his short stint

  • By Jai Prasad V. Rai, Sports Reporter
  • Published: 00:00 February 23, 2012
  • XPRESS

  • Image Credit: © XPRESS / Atiq-Ur Rehman
  • The UAE after winning the World Division Two title
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SHARJAH Kabir Khan's stint as a coach of the UAE cricket team might have ended abruptly after spending just over a year in the Middle East, but the former Pakistan international can still return with his head held high for his productive contributions.

"The boys are really looking good and are in fine shape. The UAE has a very balanced side and currently they are doing really well," said the outgoing coach, who cited family reasons for relocating and joining as Afghanistan coach.

"I had a few family issues and that's the reason I had to leave. Now, based in Pakistan, I will get more time to spend with my family."

Khan took charge of the UAE team at the end of 2010 and instilled huge confidence in the boys. It came to the fore when they immediately tasted success with the World Cricket League Division Two title after managing to defeat Namibia by five wickets in the final.

"The players know their responsibilities and they have given their 100 per cent. There is a lot of talent in the team. We worked a lot on their mental strength and made them get used to different match situations. It was really amazing the way the boys adapted very quickly which shows they are ready for the big league," added Khan, who has represented Pakistan in four Tests and 10 ODIs. The victory in Division Two promoted UAE to the Inter-continental Cup where they made a fruitful start defeating Kenya in the opening match in Nairobi.

It was indeed a great achievement considering it was the UAE's first victory in that format against a side who are among the strongest teams in Associates.

"I knew the boys had the talent and it was just giving them the confidence. We worked a lot on their fitness and prepared them for the four-day games. Since not many matches of this format are held in the UAE, this was indeed a big achievement," said Khan, who added that the UAE can grow as a strong Associate team in the near future.

Khan's big regret will be failing to see the team qualify for the Twenty20 World Cup qualifiers which begins next month in the UAE. In the Asian qualifiers held in Nepal, the UAE lost a crucial match to Hong Kong to narrowly miss out on a berth in the global qualifiers.

"It was disappointing. I would blame the format also since our team lost just one match and we were out of the tournament.

"But it was a close call and everybody was disappointed on missing a golden opportunity," added Khan, who also failed to see his team through in his last assignment against Scotland in the third round of the Inter-continental Cup.

This will be Khan's second stint with the Afghanistan team. His first one from 2008-10 was really successful where he led the team to brilliant victories which helped them gain ODI status.

Khan will take charge as Afghanistan prepare for the World Twenty20 qualifiers in March in the UAE. "That will be an interesting challenge for the team. So let's see how it goes," he said.

Khan feels that Pakistan former cricketer Aaqib Javed would be the ideal replacement and could do wonders for the team.

"I personally believe that Javed is the right person. He has a lot of experience and can help the team grow."

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