NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND // Paul Franks, the assistant coach who is temporarily on loan to UAE from UK county cricket, says he would like to continue his involvement with the national team.
The former England international has proved a popular acquisition after joining Aaqib Javed’s support staff for the duration of the Cricket World Cup.
He was invited to rejoin the squad having first impressed during a short coaching clinic in Dubai towards the end of 2014.
He also offered knowledge of local conditions in New Zealand having played two years as an overseas professional in club cricket in Christchurch in the past.
The players have warmed to his methods, and Franks himself has enjoyed the experience, which is far removed from the professional game he is used to back at home in England.
However, he acknowledges the uncertain climate of the international game beyond the Test sphere will be decisive in whether he can stay involved with UAE cricket, as well as the views of his full-time employers, Nottinghamshire.
The national team have been able to employ specialist coaches such as Franks, Mudassar Nazar, the batting mentor, and Peter Kelly, the strength and conditioning consultant, due to extra ICC funding released when they qualified for the World Cup.
With the next version set to be only open to 10 teams, the chances of the national team making it to the competition in England are severely limited.
As such, it is unclear whether significant ICC finances will be available to perpetuate the advances they have made in recent times.
“There are lots of questions about what the next four year cycle will look like for UAE cricket and that will be very much driven by ICC,” Franks said.
“I’m sure there will be a review after the tournament and if there is the need for extra resource I would love to put my hand up to come back again.
“When this tournament finishes my priority goes back to Nottinghamshire. I have to be respectful of that and we will see where that leads.
“I would never rule it out, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It is just a matter of making sure, if I do [come back] I can offer the level of value that they need.”
Franks, Aaqib and the rest of the coaching staff have been preparing the national team for one last push ahead of tomorrow’s final pool fixture against the West Indies in Napier.
The UAE do not yet have anything tangible to show for their exertions in Australia and New Zealand.
Although they cannot qualify for the knock-out phase, they could yet strike a blow for the non-Test nations.
If they can somehow cause a shock against the Caribbean side, Ireland would advance to the quarter-finals, and Aaqib, the head coach, believes such a result is not beyond his men.
“I still believe that if we do well, we can really see a win,” Aaqib said.
pradley@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
