Game's emiratisation process is on track

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is on a mission to spread the game among the Emirati nationals. The number of nationals taking up the game has been increasing over the years and today the UAE team has four nationals representing the country in international tournaments.

Though three nationals have already captained the UAE cricket team it wasn't easy for the board to lure them into the game. Sultan Zarwani captained the UAE to a victory in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Trophy in 1994. He then led the country in the 1996 World Cup. Saeed Al Saffar and Mohammad Tauqir have also captained the UAE team at various stages to creditable victories.

Today, the nationals representing the UAE are Mohammad Tauqir, a fine all-rounder and Alawi Shukri, a promising left-handed batsman and off-break bowler. The latter has captained the UAE junior team and is a consistent performer.

Fahad Hashemi is a fine well-built fast bowler. A policeman by profession, Hashemi bowled brilliantly in the Inter Continental Cup.

Salman Farooq is another fine all-rounder and has chipped in with useful contribution with both bat and ball.

Hoping to attract more nationals into the game, Shukri has organised the UAE Nationals Cricket team, a club made up of only nationals. They have been performing creditably in domestic tournaments.