An emerging star of UAE cricket might have missed out on achieving one of his dreams earlier this year, but he will move a step closer to another when he flies to India to train with Punjab Kings.
Ansh Tandon, 19, has been invited to practice with a group of emerging players at the IPL franchise.
He will fly from Dubai to Mumbai on Thursday evening, ahead of joining up with the Punjab franchise’s camp.
If he impresses, it is possible he will be retained and travel with the main side for some of the IPL campaign, which starts on April 9.
“I found out Punjab Kings were looking for new young talent after reading an article on Instagram,” Tandon said.
“I sent my videos and they really liked it. They contacted me and said, ‘We’d really like you to come to Mumbai for our camp, to train with us. If we like you, you can spend some more time with us during the IPL'.
“It will be training with the proper team, and I know a couple of their players from being in the same team as them in the Abu Dhabi T10, like [Nicholas] Pooran and Chris Jordan. It is going to be good to spend time with them.”
Tandon was due to attend Zara Hospital in Dubai on Wednesday evening for a PCR test which is a mandatory part of his trip to India.
He will face a second one on arrival, then five days’ quarantine, followed by a month of cricket training.
Although he says it is “a little nerve-racking as I don’t really know anyone there,” it is the Covid tests which most likely fill him with trepidation.
The left-handed batsman was hoping to make his UAE debut in the series against Ireland earlier this year, only to become one of four players – Chirag Suri, Alishan Sharafu and Aryan Lakra being the others – to test positive for the virus.
“Apparently I had Covid, and was sent to quarantine, so that dream didn’t come true,” Tandon said.
“I was totally asymptomatic. I had worked really hard for it, so it was kind of depressing when I heard that I wouldn’t be able to make the series, and went to quarantine.
“It was boring, but I had to bear with it. The good thing was I wasn’t alone. Alishan was in the same room, too, and I had my PlayStation, so that was good time spent.”
Tandon says he feels another ambition – that of featuring in the IPL one day – might be possible, too.
“If they like me as a cricketer, they might invite me to stay longer at the IPL and travel along with them,” Tandon said.
“I’m sure I’m going to learn a lot of things, and I’m very excited about that. IPL is the biggest franchise tournament in the whole world.
“To play in that league is literally every cricketer’s dream. Getting closer to it is an achievement, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Coincidentally, Tandon is a product of the same academy – Young Talents Cricket Academy – is the only UAE player to have been drafted to the IPL to date, Chirag Suri.
On Wednesday, Tandon was rubbing shoulders with the Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik, who has been fine-tuning his game during the Covid-postponement of the PSL, at the YTCA nets at the Goltay Academy in Hor al Anz.
He says he is grateful to Shahzad Altaf, the former UAE bowler who runs the YTCA academy, for helping him develop in the game.
“I have been playing with him since I started my cricket, and he has always been very, very supportive,” Tandon said.
“He has always been there whenever I have needed him, regardless of what my performances have been.
“I’ve been coming here every day to train at the YTCA Goltay Academy. Things have been falling into place and it has been going really well.”
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
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UJDA CHAMAN
Produced: Panorama Studios International
Directed: Abhishek Pathak
Cast: Sunny Singh, Maanvi Gagroo, Grusha Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla
Rating: 3.5 /5 stars
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
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Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
