ICC approves new eligibility rule for UAE

UAE's long standing demand for a change in the eligibility rules to play in international cricket tournaments has been approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The UAE, after qualifying for the 1996 World Cup, was badly affected by an ICC ruling that restricted the number of expatriate players in a team. Many players, despite outstanding performances in domestic cricket, could not find a place in the team due to this ruling.

"The change in the international rule regarding eligibility of players to be included in the team for international events will greatly benefit UAE cricket," remarked Abdulrehman Bukhatir, President of the Emirates Cricket Board to Gulf News.

"Players who have been living in UAE for more than seven years can now qualify to play for the country. We can also select two players who have been residing in UAE for more than four years," revealed Bukhatir.

"I am happy that this rule change will not restrict good players from being included in the team now. This will help us field many of them who have been doing well in domestic cricket," added Bukhatir.

The ECB President recently attended the ICC meeting in London and had requested the ICC members to reconsider the rule. The UAE was badly hit by this rule during the ICC Trophy held in Toronto and narrowly missed qualifying for the 2003 World Cup.

With this change, those not born in the UAE but have been playing active cricket will not be deprived of representing the country in international tournaments.

Bukhatir, who recently set up a cricket stadium in Morocco, also expressed delight over the ICC's approval for the venue.

"I am delighted at Morocco being granted recognition by the ICC as an international venue. We can now look forward to some exciting matches being played there."

Talking about the reaction from the ICC members about the new venue, Bukhatir said: "The reactions from the ICC members were very positive. They were all very happy that a cricket venue had been created in Africa, and expressed their appreciation for the efforts taken to spread the game, thus opening up opportunities for more international matches."

When asked whether there was a possibility of inviting India to play in Morocco, Bukhatir said: "We certainly hope India will play in Morocco soon and will join the family of teams who are ready to play there.

"All countries around the world have expressed their interest to play in this new venue. Most likely India may play in Morocco in January next year."

Bukhatir also met Paul Condon, the ICC director for Anti Corruption Unit (ACU). "The ACU is very happy with our arrangements to prevent match fixing. Sharjah has been given a clean chit regarding the conduct of matches.

"The ACU even feel that Sharjah is the perfect venue, which totally adheres to their conditions. Morocco too will function in a similar manner," he stated.

Referring to reports that ECB might work out a compensation plan for Pakistan who are being deprived of international matches now, Bukhatir said: "We are not working out any compensation plan for Pakistan, but we are ready to provide them any compensation by way of staging matches in our venues. We are ready to stage their Australian series too."

Bukhatir appreciated efforts from the juniors as well as the senior ECB teams in international tournaments.

"It's nice to hear that Dubai, too, is gearing up for a cricket stadium. We assure all support and assistance towards their efforts ," he concluded.