Dream comes true for 16-year-old Ethan D’Souza in Abu Dhabi T10

Ethan D’Souza grabbed a last-minute opportunity with both hands as the UAE cricketer became the youngest player ever to represent Team Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi T10 on Wednesday night.

The 16-year-old Zayed Cricket Academy batsman was included in the playing XI after teammate Alishan Sharafu rolled his ankle during the warm-up and featured for the capital franchise against Deccan Gladiators at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The Grade 11 pupil at Abu Dhabi Indian School went on to safely hold a catch in the deep to remove Sultan Ahmed on a memorable night for the youngster, with his family watching in the stands.

“It was a great feeling,” D’Souza said. “You never expect opportunities like this but when you get them, you just want to do well.

“I saw my friends and family in the ground and it showed me where I was two or three years ago when I came to watch the Abu Dhabi T10 as a fan. I'm so grateful for this opportunity and I want to make the most of it in this tournament.

“I was nervous for the first two or three overs but when I got used to it, it was the same. Every game, you have to watch the ball and when the catch came I just told myself to do what I do.”

Team Abu Dhabi coach Paul Farbrace was proud of the youngster's performance and backed him to do well in the future.

“I thought Ethan was outstanding, he was brilliant in the field, he took his catch well, he was calm under pressure and he's practiced brilliantly the past couple of days,” Farbrace said.

“Ethan was a real bonus for us and also for kids in the region and kids here in Abu Dhabi to see that if you practice and play well, the right way, opportunities will come your way and he was a real credit to himself and his family.

“This was fantastic for Zayed Cricket Academy and Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub to think that a young man at the age of 16 can come into the team, be selected and play in the first game of the tournament.

Ethan D’Souza, 16, is the youngest ever player to be drafted in the Abu Dhabi T10. All images Antonie Robertson / The National
Ethan D’Souza will represent Team Abu Dhabi in the T10 tournament.
Ethan D’Souza has already represented the Abu Dhabi team in Emirates D20.
Ethan D’Souza is set to rub shoulders with the best in the game.
Ethan D’Souza's T10 teammates will include Chris Lynn, Fabian Allen and Adil Rashid.
Ethan D’Souza with Matt Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub.
Ethan D’Souza at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

“It's absolutely brilliant and it should act as a real incentive for young cricketers in the region that, if they work hard, the opportunities will be there for them.”

Team Abu Dhabi, however, came up short against the Gladiators, succumbing to a 35-run defeat. Gladiators made 134-6 before restricting Team Abu Dhabi to 99-6.

But Farbrace said D'Souza's performance was a big plus.

“It's bitterly disappointing that we haven't won the game but we're delighted that all the good work that's happening at the Zayed Cricket Academy and Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub is actually paying fruit. It speaks volumes for the coaches and the academy,” he added.

Team Abu Dhabi welcomed England international James Vince into the squad on the eve of the tournament, with the 31-year-old opening batter replacing compatriot Phil Salt, who misses out due to injury.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid will also join up with his Team Abu Dhabi teammates on Thursday and will be available for selection when the side are next in action against Delhi Bulls on Friday.

Important questions to consider

1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?

There are different types of travel available for pets:

Manifest cargo
Excess luggage in the hold
Excess luggage in the cabin

Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.

2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?

If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.

If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.

3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?

As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.

If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.

If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.

4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?

This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.

In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.

5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?

Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.

Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.

Source: Pawsome Pets UAE