Abu Dhabi T10: This sort of exposure will help UAE players, says Robin Singh

Dubai - According to the tournament rules, each of the eight franchises have to field one UAE player in the playing XI

UAE coach and Director of Cricket Robin Singh said that the ongoing Alubond Abu Dhabi T10 League has been a blessing for the country’s cricketers as it gives them the exposure and added that it will help them immensely in the long run.

According to the tournament rules, each of the eight franchises have to field one UAE player in the playing XI.

And this edition has seen a number of players impress when given the opportunity.

Robin, who is the coach of the Northern Warriors, has seen Waseem Muhammad from close quarters, with the opener matching none other than the ‘Universe Boss’ in scoring the fastest half-century.

And the importance of UAE players can be seen from the fact that off-spinner Rohan Mustafa was handed the vice-captaincy by Team Abu Dhabi.

Others who have caught the eye have been left-arm pacer Shiraz Ahmed for the Delhi Bulls, left-arm spinner Sultan Ahmed for the Qalandars, Junaid Siddique for the Northern Warriors, Chirag Suri for the Bangla Tigers and 18-year-old batsman Alishan Sharafu, to name a few.

“It is an extremely good experience for most of these guys,” Robin said during the Qualifier between the Northern Warriors and the Delhi Bulls at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Friday evening.

“This is the sort of exposure that they really needed,” he added.

The former Indian cricketer was appointed last February and although his plans were hampered a bit due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Robin has looked to increase the talent pool with the launch of new tournaments.

“When I joined here, I think in January (February), unfortunately, Covid came around. But we have done a lot of work, trying to get more players into the system. And, of course, this sort of exposure will only help,” said Robin, who is also the batting coach of five-time IPL champions the Mumbai Indians.

james@khaleejtimes.com