Raza chuffed about UAE players being given more responsibility

Abu Dhabi - The UAE captain is one of a good contingent of UAE players who are playing in the ongoing Aldar Properties Abu Dhabi T10 League

Ahmed Raza has said that the perception about UAE players is changing when it comes to franchise-based leagues and hoped that there will be more opportunities in the future.
The UAE captain is one of a good contingent of UAE players who are playing in the ongoing Aldar Properties Abu Dhabi T10 League in the country's capital.
Raza is turning out of the Karnataka Tuskers, Rohan Mustafa for Team Abu Dhabi, Shiraz Ahmed for the Maratha Arabians, Muhammad Usman for the Delhi Bulls, Ansh Tandon for the Northern Warriors and Chirag Suri for the Bangla Tigers.
This third season has seen a paradigm shift with these franchises trusting them with more responsibility.
"Rohan was trusted with the new ball and he has bowled his quota in every game he's played and look at Shiraz, he hasn't even played for UAE yet but he's playing for Maratha and he's bowled his quota," Raza said on Wednesday.
"So, I think the trust is building and the responsibility comes down to us, who are playing and who are getting the opportunity to showcase the UAE talent and that's how you earn the respect and trust. Hopefully, in the next season, there will be a few more UAE players and probably playing an even more crucial role like bowling the death overs or someone's batting like Usman's batting higher up the order. So, I think there will be more UAE players in the coming seasons," he added.
Raza is especially chuffed about greenhorn Shiraz and marked him one who would eventually make it to the National team.
"He has very good potential and he's been around the circuit for a long time but hasn't played for the UAE yet. If I look at him as a left-armer, we don't have that variety in our bowling attack. That's not my call, that is the selectors' call but I think everyone who has been watching him have been very impressed," said Raza.
"I met Dougie (Brown) two days ago and we were talking about Shiraz. This is the first time he's playing in front of millions of people and such a big event, and captained by Bravo. I think he's going to learn heaps from here and hopefully do well for the UAE when he gets that chance," added the 31-year-old.
Raza also said such a platform ideal for the UAE players to glean cricket and perhaps life lessons from stars from around the world.
"I think it is very simple. You have to be social, you have to be able to talk to them, talk about how they prepare for their games or how they go about the chase or how they bowl in the death, how they get into the over, get out of the over, field placements, there's so much learning. But, again, it will only happen if you are very open about it and being vocal about it. The best way is to social with them, have a meal with them, grab a breakfast with them. The more you talk to them...they are very welcoming. It is up to the individual how they grab this opportunity," explained Raza, who played for the SIndhis in the second edition.
Meanwhile, the Super League game Raza's team - the Tuskers, captained by Hashim Amla and the Arabians was called off because of rain.
The Arabians had made 129 for 4 with Lynn conjuring a 31-ball 61 with six big ones and two fours, and Adam Lyth making 50 from 20 with five sixes and three boundaries.
But the rain prevented the Tuskers from going ahead with the chase and both teams shared a point.
james@khaleejtimes.com