CP Rizwan, an electrical engineer from Kerala, is the captain of the UAE’s T20 for the Asian Cup
CP Rizwan, electrical engineer from Kerala is the UAE’s T20 captain for the Asian Cup: CP Electrical engineer from Kerala, Rizwan, followed the path of many of his compatriots and moved to the Gulf after finding work in Sharjah, although his cricket career never really took off. The 34-year-old started making waves in the sports world eight years ago.
The Emirates Cricket Board announced Rizwan as the team captain for the Asian Cup qualifiers on Friday. If Rizwan (UAE) qualify, they will be placed in a group with perennial powerhouses India and Pakistan.
If we succeed and face India in the final, it will be an unforgettable experience. Rizwan told The Indian Express, “But we just want to focus on one step at a time.” Four teams from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Hong Kong and Singapore will battle it out for a place in the group stage.
Rizwan’s cricket fortunes reversed from being unable to play for his state in the Ranji Trophy to captaining the national team.
Rizwan
Leg-spinner turned drummer Rizwan hails from Thalassery, a center of the sport in India since the days of the British Raj.
Rizwan was a notable young cricketer, having played for Kerala at under-19 and under-23 levels. When Rizwan was part of the Kerala team, he toured South Africa with a band featuring Sanju Samson.
Due to his absence from the game, while finishing his engineering degree, he was unable to advance. After completing his studies, he attempted a comeback, but he was unable to repeat his success when he was younger at the advanced level. Even though his name was on the Ranji Trophy list, he never got to play.
Moving to the United Arab Emirates for work also revitalized his cricketing career. Her career on the world stage has recently taken off. Rizwan took the field as captain in Sunday’s game against Kuwait.
ODI
While his side were struggling at 51 from 3, Rizwan reached his first international century last year in a one-day international against Ireland. With the fourth wicket down, Rizwan and Muhammad Usman made 184 runs. The two century-old creators led their team to victory as the United Arab Emirates beat the target of 270 with six wickets in hand and one more to spare.
“It is a privilege and a joy to serve as the manager of the UAE national team. In the T20 tournaments, we have performed well. In addition to their T20 matches abroad, our players regularly participate in home T20 tournaments.However, Rizwan stressed that proper execution of skills on the designated day was essential.
The UAE have a former Indian all-rounder in Robin Singh to mentor their new captain.
Coach Robin Singh makes us work really hard. They all share his incredible work ethic. Rizwan, who appeared in 29 ODIs and 7 T20Is for the UAE, expressed his confidence in the team’s preparations.
The electrical engineer from Cochin University of Science and Technology could have returned to his hometown after graduating and accepted a job in the postal service, but he declined the offer.
His play with UAE clubs Yogi Group, Bukhatir XI and Interface eventually earned him a place in the national team.
Rizwan made his ODI debut for the United Arab Emirates in January 2019 against Nepal after meeting the four-year residency requirement in the country.
My choice (to stay in the UAE) was justified, I guess. Rizwan expressed his gratitude to “every coach, friend, family member and the almighty” who contributed to his success.
Biju George, who coached India’s women’s team on the pitch before retiring, has watched Rizwan play for Kerala since he was a teenager.
Rizwan is a completely committed athlete. “I think he can be an addition to the UAE team as captain. He’s a confident and smart player on the street,” George remarked.
The United Arab Emirates have chosen the Split captaincy, with Ahmed Raza taking charge of the one-day international squad.
