UAE has huge potential, says Whatmore

Dubai: Pakistan head coach Dav Whatmore believes that UAE has the potential to become a strong cricket nation.

The highly-rated Whatmore, who conducted a camp for the Young Talents Cricket Academy in UAE before joining the Pakistan team, has been impressed by the talent and facilities in the country.

And, after the opening of the UAE’s newest cricket ground — the FairGround Oval at the Dubai Men’s College — the former Bangladesh and Sri Lanka coach told Gulf News: “I am happy that the UAE is doing its very best for the development of the game and is improving all the time.

“What is most important here is to ensure that there is a development or pathway from junior cricket to senior cricket.

“I came here long back to coach and like every country this place has talent. Some countries have more talent than others because of their population base.

“There is ability here and all you have to do is nurture it. You have to provide competition and some countries are blessed as they can do a bit better than others.”

What has particularly impressed Whatmore is the enthusiasm of cricket lovers in this country.

“I am always delighted to see efforts being done for the development of the game. Though I am the head coach of Pakistan team, cricket is played globally and I always love to see the game prosper.

“When I see initiatives like this [the FairGround Oval], which is even supported by David Richardson, the ICC Chief Executive, I feel it is worthwhile to come out and lend support and time in assisting their efforts,” added Whatmore, who came for the opening of the FairGround Oval at 9am on Friday despite his tight schedule with the Pakistan team.

He freely mingled with youngsters at the venue and signed autographs.

“It is so nice to see youngsters here from different age groups,” Whatmore said

“They are not just playing cricket but enjoying and learning the game. Hopefully they will grow up to become decent cricketers.”

He also lauded the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

“It is a magnificent cricket facility. Then there is also the International Cricket Council (ICC) Global Academy, which is terrific.

“There is a big talent of support for the game, a huge bank of cricket lovers who love to watch cricket.

“It is not only Pakistanis but also Indians and other nationalities as well.

“A decent crowd comes and makes a nice noise every time, which makes the atmosphere so good. The UAE is ideal for cricket.”