KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi T10 league and also the upcoming DP World ILT20 are providing the essential foundation for the growth of cricket in the UAE, according to national team captain Muhammad Waseem.
Speaking after the opening night of the eighth season of the Abu Dhabi T10 at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Waseem highlighted how exposure to world-class international players in home franchise tournaments is directly elevating the standards of the UAE national squad.
Waseem was on the losing side as Royal Desert Champions fell to a 16-run defeat against debutants Emirates Eagles in one of three opening-night fixtures. Set a target of 126, the Champions stumbled during their chase despite a promising start.
"First of all, thanks to the Emirates Cricket Board and the Abu Dhabi board for arranging these leagues," Waseem said. "UAE players are getting very good opportunities. The way the local boys have performed over the last four or five years, people can see how UAE cricketers are improving. T10 and ILT20 are both helping the boys, and what they learn here is helping the national team."
Waseem pointed to a sudden collapse as the key factor in his side's opening defeat.
"We played well in the first half. We had 60 to 65 runs after five overs," he said. "Then we lost three or four wickets together in the middle, and that cost us the match."
Despite the early setback, the national team captain remains optimistic about both his franchise’s prospects and the direction of the national setup, particularly following the appointment of former captain Ahmed Raza as national head coach.
"To be honest, if you are playing for your country, it's always a proud moment," Waseem added. "I made my debut under Ahmed bhai when he was captain, so we know each other very well. He knows what players need and what kind of performance he wants from each one. No matter how much experience you have, the first match always brings a few butterflies. The pitch is always good in Abu Dhabi. Our team is very good. We lost today, but I'm sure we will bounce back stronger and push for the qualifiers."
Earlier in the match, Emirates Eagles laid the foundation for their victory through a 19-ball 39 from West Indies opener Kyle Mayers and an unbeaten 41 off 16 deliveries from captain Rovman Powell, reaching 125 for two.
Mayers noted how conditions at the venue shifted as evening set in.
"When the lights come on, I think the wicket gets a bit faster and makes it easier for stroke play," Mayers said. "Coming here, we always get good wickets, and good wickets give you good opportunities to score runs and hit sixes."
The Eagles' bowling attack subsequently restricted Royal Desert Champions to secure victory, underlining the strength of both local and international talent currently on display in the capital.