From Kerala to Dubai: Keziah Sabin’s remarkable cricketing journey

Dubai: Keziah Miriam Sabin’s cricketing dreams were born in the shadows of struggle. At just a year old, she watched her family face unimaginable challenges as her mother battled a debilitating stroke. Today, the 20-year-old UAE cricketer stands as a symbol of resilience, proving that sacrifice and determination can pave the way to success.

Born in Dubai and raised in the cricketing heartland of Kerala, Keziah’s journey was far from ordinary. Her mother’s stroke left one side of her body paralysed, making everyday tasks a struggle. Yet, amid these hardships, her family rallied together, ensuring that Keziah never had to give up on her dream. From juggling responsibilities to making countless sacrifices, her parents, especially her mother, became the backbone of her cricketing aspirations.

“My mother’s one half is paralysed. She’s doing better now, but it was a tough time. She had to manage her own challenges while also handling my training and my brother’s studies,” Keziah told Gulf News. “Mama used to sit alone for hours, unable to move, while I trained. My family juggled everything for me, sacrificing so much so I could pursue cricket. I’m so grateful.”

Keziah’s cricketing journey began in India, where she represented Kerala’s Under-19 team for two seasons. However, things didn’t go as planned, and a tough phase saw her lose her place in the squad. Contemplating quitting the game entirely, Keziah found renewed hope thanks to her father, Sabin Iqbal, who encouraged her to return to Dubai and give cricket another shot.

Former UAE captains CP Rizwan and Ahmed Raza — now the UAE women’s team coach — played pivotal roles in her comeback. Keziah’s perseverance paid off when she secured a place in the senior women’s team after a rigorous selection process. She made her debut during the triangular series in Namibia last year, marking the beginning of a new innings for the left-handed batter.

Keziah’s ambitions extend beyond personal milestones. Her long-term dream is to see UAE women’s cricket rise to the top tiers of the sport.

“The goal as a team is to qualify for the World Cup,” she explained. “We aim to win the upcoming matches, secure ODI status, and ultimately become a full ICC member. That’s our vision.”

Recently, Keziah contributed to UAE’s success during friendly matches against Ireland and Scotland Under-19 teams, scoring an unbeaten 44 to guide her team to victory. However, she admits to feeling the sting of disappointment when the UAE Under-19 team narrowly missed out on qualifying for the World Cup.

“Unfortunately, we fell short by just one game. But women’s cricket in UAE is progressing really well. Our girls are performing, and some were even shortlisted for the Women’s Premier League auction. We’re just a couple of ranks away from breaking through,” she said with optimism.

For now, Keziah trains diligently with the UAE team and coach Raiphi Vincent Gomez, while living with a family friend in Dubai. She has temporarily paused her studies to focus on cricket, but is eagerly awaiting the return of her family to the UAE later this year.

As Keziah continues her journey, she remains a beacon of hope and determination — not just for UAE cricket but for anyone striving to overcome life’s challenges.