DUBAI // Mohammed Shahzad says he still has much to achieve in cricket despite being forced to miss out on what is likely to be his one chance to play at a World Cup.
A succession of unfortunate events meant the bespectacled all-rounder was ruled out of the UAE’s trip to Australia and New Zealand earlier this year.
Shahzad, who is the first cousin of the Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, had become a mainstay of the national side in the lead up to the competition.
However, against Afghanistan in the final series before World Cup selection, he was reported for having a suspected illegal bowling action.
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The fact he broke the thumb on his bowling hand in the same series, and was unable to grip the ball, meant he was unable to take a biomechanics test in time to have his action cleared.
He finally underwent the test on May 9 in South Africa. The results are due on May 23. In the meantime, he has been restored to the UAE squad, and Aaqib Javed, the coach, says he remains a key part of the forward plan, even if it is solely as a batsman.
Now aged 35, Shahzad’s chance at playing at a 50 over World Cup has probably gone, but he still wants to prove his worth to UAE cricket.
“I was surprised and shocked,” Shahzad said, ahead of the UAE’s trip to England on Thursday.
“It was a great opportunity. I was disappointed, but whenever the next opportunity comes along I’ll try my best to take it. I’m not disheartened.”
For the first time, Shahzad has been joined in the UAE squad by Asif Iqbal, his teammate for Danube Lions.
Iqbal has been the most consistent batsman during Danube’s run of success over the past two years, which was rewarded by his selection for this tour.
The 32-year-old batsman top scored for his side in the Bukhatir League final in Sharjah on Monday night, although at one point his future participation seemed in jeopardy.
He was hit on the head and needed medical treatment on the field while on 45. He recovered, batted on and made 88, although his side were eventually beaten by one-wicket by Al Faraa in a thrilling finish at 1am.
Iqbal’s selection should bolster the UAE’s middle-order, and Aaqib is optimistic the national team can reverse years of poor results against the Irish.
“As a team, we have built a lot of confidence,” Aaqib said. “Drawing against Ireland in Sharjah [in the Intercontinental Cup in 2013] was quite a big effort.
“The way we fought against them in the World Cup, they were actually really appreciating the progression UAE cricket has made. This is what excites me. We are moving forward.”
UAE tour to the UK and Ireland
Fixtures
May 26-28 — Three-day warm up v Scotland, Hampshire, England.
Jun 2-5 — Intercontinental Cup v Ireland, Malahide, Ireland.
Squad
Mohammed Tauqir (captain), Ahmed Raza, Amjad Ali, Amjad Javed, Asif Iqbal, Khurram Khan, Manjula Guruge, Mohammed Shahzad, Mohammed Naveed, Saqib Ali, Shaiman Anwar, Swapnil Patil, Chirag Suri, Fayyaz Ahmed
pradley@thenational.ae
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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What is Folia?
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.
Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."
Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.
In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love".
There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.
While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."
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