Emirates Cricket Board names Rizwan as captain for ICC T20 World Cup

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Leg-spinner turned batter CP Rizwan will lead the 15-member UAE team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 Australia, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Saturday.

Vriitya Aravind will be his deputy in the mega sporting spectacle, scheduled to take place from Oct.16-Nov.13.

Rohan Mustafa, the most capped UAE player in both T20I and One-Day International cricket, has been dropped.

The veteran 33-year-old had played as recently as last month for UAE, but was dropped subsequently from the playing XI during the Asia Cup qualifiers in Oman.

The selection committee chairman, Dr Tayeb Kamali, said: "Qualifying to play against top national teams of the world at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup marks a milestone with UAE Cricket's growing strengths in the T20 format.

“We extend our deep appreciation to all who have invested their time and efforts as we arrive at this unique moment in Emirates Cricket's history.

“We wish our team the very best as they continue to make their mark on international cricket at the ICC T20 World Cup,” he added.

While a number of players have been rested for this tour, Robin Singh, Director of Cricket and National Teams' Head Coach, is buoyed by the inclusion of a number of the country's young talent that have proven their worth to wear the country's flag.

"This team has a solid representation of experience and youth. It must be emphasized that UAE Cricket's youth have continued to show their worth at various successful ICC and Asian Cricket (age-group) campaigns, and, it is their time to showcase these proven talents to the cricketing world alongside those (selected) experienced players,” he said.

"To represent your country is of great pride and our (coaching) team has complete belief in the maturity and skills of this group of players, and we expect them to surprise a few teams with their performances."

In continuing their preparations and before leaving for Australia, in early October, the UAE will play Bangladesh Cricket in a two-match T20I series, at Dubai Sports City's Dubai International Stadium on Sept.25 and Sept.27.