Sharjah: Four new faces have been included in the UAE cricket team for the tour of Bermuda next month.
During the tour, UAE will play in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Intercontinental Shield four- day match and also two One-day matches and one Twenty20 match.
The new faces are Swapnil Patil, Tahir Butt, Saqib Shah and Mois Shahid.
Speaking to Gulf News, Patil, who is a wicketkeeper batsman and has been scoring profusely in domestic cricket, said: "It is a great feeling that I am finally getting the chance to play international cricket and I want to give my best."
Patil, who has played Ranji Trophy for Mumbai but missed out on getting international exposure, said: "Though in India I missed out playing international cricket I will realise my dream now. I am thankful to Yogi Group for giving me the chance to perform in domestic cricket."
Shahid is a UAE-born fine left-arm pacer while Shah is an elegant batsman. Butt is an effective right arm pacer.
Khurram Khan of Fly Emirates will lead the team. All-rounder Mohammad Tauqir of National Bank of Abu Dhabi, who was out of action due to an injury, returns as the vice captain.
"UAE will have to subdue Bermuda to play in the finals of the Intercontinental Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Dubai in November this year," said Mazhar Khan, the administrator of the Emirates Cricket Board.
"Namibia and Uganda are also strong contenders so we have a good mix of youth and experience in the team," added Khan.
Team: Khurram Khan (Captain), Mohammad Tauqir (Vice-Captain), Abdul Rehman, Arshad Ali, Ahmad Raza, Saqib Ali, Shadeep Silva, Qassim Zubair, Amjad Javed, Saqib Hussain Shah, Swapnil Patil, Tahir Butt, Mois Shahid, Naeemuddin Aslam.
Reserves: Salman Farooq, Amjad Ali, Riyaz Khaliq, Shoaib Sarwar.
Manager: Mohammad Lokhandawala, coach: Colin Mark Wells, Physio: C. Sudhaker. Fixtures: July 2: Departure to Bermuda, July 5 to 8: ICC Intercontinental Shield match, July10 and 11: Two One-day matches, July 12: Twenty20 match
