CP Rizwan, electrical engineer from Kerala is UAE’s T20 captain for Asia Cup
CP Rizwan, electrical engineer from Kerala is UAE’s T20 captain for Asia Cup: CP The electrical engineer from Kerala, Rizwan, followed the path of many of his compatriots and moved to the Gulf after finding work in Sharjah, even though his cricket career never really took off. The 34-year-old began making waves in the sports world eight years ago.
The Emirates Cricket Board announced Rizwan as the team’s captain on Friday in preparation for the Asia Cup qualifiers. If Rizwan (UAE) qualifies, they’ll be placed in a group with perennial powerhouses India and Pakistan.
If we make it and get to face India in the finals, that will be an unforgettable experience. Rizwan told The Indian Express, “But we just want to focus on one step at a time.” Four teams from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Hong Kong, and Singapore will compete for one slot in the group stage.
Rizwan’s cricketing fortunes have turned around, going from being unable to play for his state in the Ranji Trophy to captaining the national team.
Rizwan
Leg-spinner-turned-batsman Rizwan is a native of Thalassery, a centre for the sport in India since the days of the British Raj.
Rizwan was a notable youth cricketer, having played for Kerala at both the Under-19 and Under-23 levels. When Rizwan was a part of the Kerala team, he went on tour to South Africa with a group that featured Sanju Samson.
Due to his time away from the game, while finishing his engineering degree, he was unable to advance. After finishing his education, he attempted a comeback, but he was unable to repeat his success from when he was younger at the advanced level. Even though his name was on the Ranji Trophy roster, he never got to play.
Moving to the United Arab Emirates for work also revitalised his cricketing career. His career on the global stage has recently taken off. Rizwan took the field as captain on Sunday’s game against Kuwait.
ODI
When his team was struggling at 51 for 3, Rizwan hit his first international century last year in a One-Day International against Ireland. With the fourth wicket down, Rizwan and Muhammad Usman put on 184 runs. The two century-makers led their team to victory as the UAE beat the target of 270 with six wickets in hand and an over to spare.
“It is a privilege and a joy to serve as the UAE national team’s manager. In T20 tournaments, we have been performing well. In addition to their T20 matches abroad, our players regularly compete in home T20 tournaments. However, Rizwan emphasised that proper skill execution on the appointed day was essential.
The United Arab Emirates have a former India all-rounder in Robin Singh to mentor their new captain.
Coach Robin Singh has us working really hard. They all share his incredible work ethic. Rizwan, who has appeared in 29 ODIs and 7 T20Is for UAE, expressed confidence in the team’s preparations.
The electrical engineer from Cochin University of Science and Technology could have moved back to his hometown after graduation and taken a job with the postal service, but he declined the offer.
His play with UAE clubs Yogi Group, Bukhatir XI, and Interface finally earned him a spot on the national squad.
Rizwan made his ODI debut for the UAE in January 2019 against Nepal after meeting the residency requirement of four years in the country.
My choice (to remain in the UAE) has been vindicated, I suppose. Rizwan expressed gratitude to “every coach, friend, family member, and the almighty” who had contributed to his success.
Biju George, who coached the Indian women’s team in the field before he retired, has seen Rizwan play for Kerala since he was a teenager.
Rizwan is a completely committed athlete. “I think he can be an addition to the UAE team as their captain. He’s a confident and street-smart player,” George remarked.
The UAE has chosen Split captaincy, with Ahmed Raza taking charge of the one-day international squad.