Ahmed Raza, the UAE captain, spent much of the last IPL season in Dubai training alongside the stars of Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Ahead of the new campaign, the left-arm spinner has changed his allegiance – and his role – after turning out as a coach at the Rajasthan Royals Academy.
Raza has been captaining Fujairah in the ongoing Emirates D10 tournament in Sharjah, but for each morning this week he has been coaching at the academy based at The Sevens, Dubai.
The five-day clinic, at an academy that was launched by the Rajasthan franchise during the IPL last October, is the latest experience of the discipline for the 32-year-old spinner.
Raza also travelled to the Under 19 World Cup last year as part of the coaching staff of the UAE’s age-group side.
“I thoroughly enjoy coaching and being able to share my experiences with all age groups,” Raza said.
“I want to stay connected with the game whenever I decide to hang up my boots and coaching is one of the things that attracts me.”
Despite the early morning starts in Dubai overseeing the aspiring young players at the Royals academy, Raza has been back on the playing field most evenings at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, too.
On Tuesday night, his Fujairah side inflicted a first defeat of the campaign on Sharjah in the 10-over tournament.
Mohammed Wasim further embossed his growing reputation as he played a star turn in the 40-run win for Fujairah.
The opener, who caught the eye in the Abu Dhabi T10 when he matched Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest 50, struck 70 from just 27 balls as Fujairah posted 135-4 from their 10 overs.
He also had some joy with the ball when Sharjah mustered just 95-3 in their reply. Wasim picked up the wicket of Rameez Shahzad, who was playing his first game of the tournament.
In the second match of the night, Emirates Blues beat Dubai by 34 runs. Matiullah Khan was named man of the match after taking 3-18 as the Emirates side defended 122.
