Aaqib Javed admits ‘tough task’ ahead as UAE cricket slumps after unprecedented success

From playing at the World Cup nine months ago, UAE cricket is now stuck firmly in the doldrums, as evidence by a third thrashing at the hands of Hong Kong in the space of five days on Wednesday, writes Paul Radley.

Swapnil Patil, right, wicketkeeper of the UAE, in action during their match against Hong Kong at ICC Academy Oval at Dubai Sports City in Dubai on Wednesday. Pawan Singh / The National

DUBAI // When Aaqib Javed, the UAE cricket coach, recently said the national team will be rebuilding over the next 18 months, he was endeavouring to downplay expectations.

Recent years have seen unprecedented success, with qualification for both the World Cup and the World Twenty20 among the finest achievements in the history of the sport here.

Perpetuating that was always going to be difficult. However, even allowing for a substantial overhaul of the side since then, the fall has been alarmingly stark.

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From the summit of playing at the World Cup nine months ago, UAE cricket is now stuck firmly in the doldrums, as evidence by a third thrashing at the hands of Hong Kong in the space of five days on Wednesday.

The 136-run defeat at the ICC Academy in Dubai meant a series whitewash in the World Cricket League, having been trounced in the four-day, Intercontinental Cup game at the weekend.

In four innings against a youthful Hong Kong side, the home batsmen have managed meagre totals of 181, 105, 209 and 146. If this is what the new era looks like, there could be lean times ahead.

“It is rebuilding, and what we have seen the past two weeks is really disappointing,” Aaqib said. “From now onwards, I think it is going to be a tough task.”

The horror show against Hong Kong puts the exclamation mark on a woeful 2015 for UAE cricket. Fifteen out of 17 matches in cricket of note have been lost.

Greats of the game here such as Khurram Khan, Mohammed Tauqir and Saqib Ali, have departed, leaving a gaping hole.

Aaqib pointed out that the forthcoming changes to elite cricket, which will include having paid players and selectors, cannot come soon enough.

“All other teams are professional, and their teams have improved a lot,” he said. “We are still relying on part timers, and holding a camp for two weeks before the competition. That is not enough. If somebody wants to compete with professionals, they have to act like them. We have got potential, now we need a proper thought process.”

In contrast to the UAE’s gloom, Hong Kong can look forward to a bright future, led by their highly talented captain Tanwir Afzal.

From No 8 in the order, Afzal hit 73 from 33 balls to take the game beyond the hosts, then took three wickets to seal the win.

“I’m proud of the boys, with how consistent they have been in the past few days,” Afzal said. “They have done a fantastic job.

“The guys have stood up and chipped in in every game, we have been consistent, so I am happy.”

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