In a surprising turn of events, Emirates Cricket Board has relieved their long-serving skipper Ahmed Raza ahead of T20 Asia Cup Qualifier and appointed middle-order batter Chundangapoyil Rizwan. ECB has claimed that the decision was made before their opening match against Kuwait at AI Amerat, has been taken eying ‘format specialisation’ and ‘succession plans.’
In a released statement, board claimed that it held extensive discussions at various levels and reviewed the side’s recent 50-over performance after which it came to conclusion that providing a respective captain with a sole-format focus will create a strong leadership. It will further encourage a singular commitment to fine tune strategic on-field components of the game, claimed Emirates Cricket Board.
Notably, CP Rizwan will resume the captaincy with a crucial Asia Cup Qualifier where four teams including Hong Kong, Kuwait, Singapore will battle for a single spot in the Asia Cup 2022. The winner of the Qualifiers will secure a spot in Group A along with India and Pakistan.
Dr Tayeb Kamali, Selection Committee Chairman, Emirates Cricket has claimed that it’s an exciting time for UAE Cricket and the upcoming qualifier contest gives players ‘great opportunity’ to qualify for the Asia Cup 2022. “Our players and the coaching team have displayed commendable approach in their commitment to their training throughout the UAE summer,” said Kamali.
Speaking of Ahmed Raza, he has been the most successful captain in T20Is, leading the side to win two-third of their fixture in the format and led to successful qualification for the T20 World Cup 2022. Raza took over the captaincy from Mohammad Naveed in late 2019 ahead of the previous T20 WC Qualifier, following controversial corruption cases which led to the lengthy ban on several senior players including coaching staff.
The Asia Cup 2022 Qualifier will kick start with a match between Singapore and Hong Kong at Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1) on Saturday (August 20).
UAE Asia Cup Qualifier Squad: CP Rizwan (c), Chirag Suri, Muhammad Waseem, Vriitya Aravind, Ahmed Raza, Basil Hameed, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Karthik Meiyappan, Zahoor Khan, Zawar Farid, Alishan Sharafu, Sabir Ali, Aryan Lakra, Sultan Ahmad, Junaid Siddique, Fahad Nawaz.
