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The National
2 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Rayan Khan making a name for himself as he follows in father Khurram's footsteps in UAE cricket
In the decade and a half he spent putting together arguably the finest career yet by a UAE cricketer, Khurram Khan rarely looked flustered. The all-rounder might have been one of the feistiest competitors the country has ever produced. But when he was at the batting crease, he was seldom anything other than calm and composed. His move into coaching - and more specifically parenthood - has altered that, though. The former UAE captain's son, Rayan, is showing great promise in the sport, although his dad often has to watch from behind the sofa. 'When I used to play cricket, when I went out to bat I was as calm as anything,' Khurram said. 'Now when he is batting, I can only watch four or five balls. In the [Under 19] Asia Cup, he played four or five matches here and the only one I could watch was against India. 'I watched the others on TV, because I didn't have the courage to go and sit there and watch him. For the India game, I came here and sat watching with my wife, and there were always jitters. 'I cannot watch him batting. If he says he played well and scored some runs, I'll turn on and watch the highlights.' Happily, son Rayan is taking everything in his stride. Carrying on the family name in a country where his father achieved so much could be a burden. But, despite his youth, he appears to understand the challenges facing him. Islamabad-born Rayan attended a non-cricket playing school in Sharjah. He became aware of the sport on the sidelines watching his dad as a small child, but only started pursuing it seriously in his mid-teens. His progress was swift, and at 15 he was selected to play age-group cricket for the UAE. 'It felt good that I got selected so early, but there was a question in my mind, 'Did I get selected because of my dad, or was it because of my performances?',' Rayan said. 'But I went on to perform well in the camp, and so those doubts went away.' Rayan was only eight when his father went off to represent the country for two months at the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. His memories of that are vague, but he says watching his dad inspired a passion for the sport in himself. 'My first memory of cricket was going to The Sevens Stadium in Dubai and watching my dad play when I was nine. I absolutely fell in love with cricket,' Rayan said. 'I used to watch him play and I got motivated to do the same. That is how it started.' Now he is making his own way in the sport. But he is aware he will be known by some for being the son of the player who as good as single-handedly inspired UAE's qualification for T20 and 50-over World Cups a little over a decade ago. 'Two or three years ago, when I started playing good matches in A Division cricket, people would come up to me and say, 'Your dad was one of the best in the UAE',' he said. 'It is a big deal - the legacy he has in UAE cricket. I realised it was a big thing and that I should be grateful for it. 'It is scary sometimes when I go out to bat and I have to live up to his legacy and the expectations of it. 'But it is good because he can give me some good advice after all the years he has played. He has plenty of experience, so he can help me out. That is better for me.' Tuition is, after all, Khurram's day job now. After juggling his own playing career with a job with Emirates Airline, he is now a coach at Sharjah Cricket Academy. It is scary sometimes when I go out to bat and I have to live up to his legacy Rayan Khan He says Rayan is more advanced than he was at his age. There is a good reason for that: Khurram played nothing more than tape-ball cricket before attending university, and was nearly 30 by the time he started out on international cricket with the UAE. 'I am coaching now, and there is the risk you always judge everybody at your standards,' Khurram said. 'But he is young. He started playing cricket at nine or 10, and he is only 18. I hadn't even started playing cricket at 18; I started at university. He has a long way to go, but he is learning very fast. 'When somebody in your family has played cricket and you are living with that, obviously there is a positive side to it. 'There is also pressure. Whatever happens, every time he comes back I will talk him through his batting. If I have seen him batting I will ask what he was feeling, if he was feeling confident, and ask him to talk me through his innings. 'He will have that sort of pressure. He will know if he has got out in a certain way I will ask him about it, but there is always pressure.' For all the wisdom his dad can impart, Rayan's ambitions are his own. He has already had some noteworthy achievements, too, most obviously when he made a half-century against Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup last winter. He knows only performances, rather than a family name, will get him to where he wants to go. And that is the very top with the UAE senior men's team. 'Being in the UAE, one of the biggest dreams is to help make UAE a Test nation,' Rayan said. 'You also want to make the ILT20 and play in T20 leagues. If you perform well in one, there is scope for you to play in more. If you play in three or four, you can make a big name for yourself.'
Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Kaska Watkins adds another gold medal to her haul as RI reclaim A Div netball crown
Raffles Institution's Kaska Watkins taking aim during the National School Games A Division netball final. She scored 20 out of 24 shots in the 45-40 win over Anglo-Chinese Junior College. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Kaska Watkins adds another gold medal to her haul as RI reclaim A Div netball crown SINGAPORE – Competing in the National School Games swimming finals in April, Raffles Institution's (RI) Kaska Watkins collected a total of four medals – including a relay gold. Transferring that athleticism from the pool to the court, she added another gold to her haul on May 28. The goal attack played a key role as RI defeated defending champions Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) 45-40 at Our Tampines Hub to reclaim the A Division netball title that they last won in 2023. Kaska converted 20 out of the 24 shots she attempted, putting up an impressive 83.3 per cent shot conversion rate. The 17-year-old had claimed silver medals in the 50m freestyle and 4x50m medley relay on April 24, before adding a gold in the 4x50m free relay and a 100m free bronze a day later. But the water sport has given her more than just medals. 'Swimming has given me a strong core,' said Kaska, who is of English nationality. 'So whenever my teammates pass me the ball, I can grab it at different directions. Also, when I do weight training in swimming, I work on my legs and it helps me jump higher.' However, standing at 1.73m, she knew it would be difficult going up on the court against ACJC's goalkeeper Alyssa Tan, who is taller at 1.78m, prompting a different offensive approach. 'We knew we couldn't do any high balls because she (Alyssa) would intercept it, so I had to try holding her (back) so that I would block her off and get the ball,' said Kaska. RI coach Chng Li Li, 53, added: 'The AC (defence) is much taller than my shooters. We cannot play high, so we had to play the low balls (along the floor).' RI were without their first-choice centre Wang Yun Xi, who had to attend the International Biology Olympiad at Nanyang Technological University. Reserve centres Caitlin Ong and Emily Loi took turns to deputise in her place, and they both performed admirably. 'I played three quarters (in total) in the preliminary round, so this was definitely quite an overwhelming moment for me when I stepped on court,' said Emily, 17, who started the final as a substitute. Centre Emily Loi (in black, holding the ball) played well in place of their absent first-choice centre Wang Yun Xi. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM 'Even though our main centre wasn't here, it doesn't mean that our team won't be able to play well. We are still a team overall so we'll all be working together,' she said. RI started the game on the front foot, leading 13-8 after the first quarter. A combination of turnovers high up the court and neat interplay saw them take a commanding 25-18 advantage into half-time. ACJC fought back in the third quarter as they sought to narrow a 32-28 deficit. But it was ultimately too little too late as RI closed the game out to avenge last season's defeat in the final, where they lost 44-43 to ACJC. RI captain Lim Ruici , 18, said: 'The team was really hungry this year. I think our team's focus was enjoying the game because that is when we are at our best.' RI celebrating with the trophy after winning the A Div netball final. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM ACJC captain Keira Baptista was on the sidelines after a full anterior cruciate ligament tear and a partial medial collateral ligament tear ruled her out for the season. 'At first, I felt very helpless that I wouldn't be there for my team physically on court, but regardless I made sure that they knew that I would have their back,' said the 18-year-old. On-court captain Alyssa said RI played a good game and deserved their win. 'We fought hard and no matter the outcome, I think we put in our best effort today,' added the 18-year-old. In the third-place play-off, Victoria Junior College beat Eunoia Junior College 48-35. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Observer
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Meera becomes Oman's first woman umpire
MUSCAT: Earlier this month, in a quiet yet historic moment for Oman sport, Meera Bhanushali stepped onto the field to officiate the opening game of the T20I series between Oman and Bahrain at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Al Amerat, becoming the first woman from Oman to umpire an international cricket match. 'It didn't feel like anything special when I walked out to the middle,' Meera recalled. 'But after the game, when it sunk in that I had just become the first woman from Oman to officiate at this level, it felt incredible. I'm very proud to have reached this milestone.' That pride was reinforced almost instantly. Her first major decision — a leg-before-wicket call — came at a critical juncture and proved both correct and game-shaping. 'To have your first major call stand firm gives you a huge sense of confidence,' she said. FROM PLAYER TO UMPIRE Meera's connection to cricket began at the age of six. Between 2010 and 2014, she represented Oman's national women's team, including an overseas tour to Kuwait. 'There weren't many facilities for girls back then. We played on matting wickets, shared kits, and had very limited exposure,' she said. But even after she stopped playing, her passion never faded. 'I couldn't walk away from the game. I love it too much.' That love turned into a new purpose in 2018, when she enrolled in her first umpiring course offered by Oman Cricket. 'It was a big switch, but it felt right. I wanted to stay involved in the game and contribute in any way I could.' In July 2024, her dedication paid off as she became the first woman from Oman to earn an ICC Level 1 umpiring certification — paving the way for her T20I debut. Over the past year, Meera has stood in nearly 45 top-tier men's matches, including A Division and Premier Division league games. 'I didn't face any gender bias,' she said. 'Oman Cricket has been incredibly supportive. The players, the officials — everyone has treated me with respect.' 'There are so many more opportunities now than when I started. Girls play on turf wickets, have their own gear, better coaching and more visibility. It's heartening to see women's cricket finally getting the attention it deserves.' Meera hopes her journey will encourage others to chase their cricketing dreams. 'If you love the game and are willing to work hard, nothing can stop you. Grab the opportunities that come your way — the sky's the limit.'
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Hwa Chong regain girls' A Div basketball title; ACJC complete three-peat for boys
Eunoia Junior College's Gweneth Low (left) attempting to block a layup by Hwa Chong Institution's Eda Kong (right) in the National School Games A Div Girls' basketball final at Jurong East Sports Hall on May 23, 2025. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM SINGAPORE – A strong defence was the key as Hwa Chong Institution's girls' basketball team regained their National School Games A Division title by defeating Eunoia Junior College 53-36 at Jurong East Sport Hall on May 23. In the process, Hwa Chong, who had lost 57-44 to Nanyang Junior College in the 2024 final, also claimed a record-extending 14th title. When asked what was the key factor behind their success, Hwa Chong coach Neo Beng Siang replied: 'Defence, always emphasise on defence. We needed to match our opponents' intensity and play good defence. 'I need to thank all the players for their effort and intensity and, of course, our opponents and their never-give-up mentality to keep fighting, although they were down by 20.' His captain, point guard Madelin Lock, who scored a game-high 18 points, said: 'I felt that the team was really nervous at first, but our fighting spirit and our team camaraderie allowed us to push through, even though we were missing our shots. 'We fought for everything, and for me personally, they (the team) really lifted me up and they kept encouraging me.' Hwa Chong Institution's Madelin Lock sinking a free throw in the National School Games A Div Girls' basketball final at Jurong East Sports Hall on May 23. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Both teams got off to a scrappy start and it took two minutes before Hwa Chong opened the scoring via a free throw from Julia Sim. But they soon got into their stride and held a commanding 18-6 lead heading into the second period. Eunoia coach Allen Lee said: 'We didn't play according to our game plan. In the first quarter, Hwa Chong managed to pull ahead and open a lead against us. 'So from then on, it was an uphill battle, but I'm very proud of the girls, because we never gave up.' Hwa Chong further extended their advantage in the second and third quarters, leading 31-15 and 48-25 respectively. Eunoia fought back in the final quarter, outscoring Hwa Chong 11-5, but it was not enough to overturn a 23-point deficit. Eunoia captain and power forward Allysa Lidya Bintang said: 'In this final, we had really a lot of hope to win. 'Throughout the game, our level of fight was really there, but unfortunately, we didn't get the result we wanted, but it's okay, I'm really, really proud of my team, because they really fought all the way until the end.' Anglo-Chinese Junior College captain Eshan Kaul holding the trophy aloft as his teammates celebrate their win over Raffles Institution in the National School Games A Div boys' basketball final at Jurong East Sports Hall on May 23. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM In the A Division boys' final, Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) overcame a slow start to beat Raffles Institution (RI) 64-57 and claim their third consecutive title. RI flew out of the blocks and quickly gained a 10-5 lead over the defending champions. But ACJC eased into the game and finished the first quarter 15-14 up. 'I think we came out of the gate with a very strong belief that we could have done it,' said RI captain Ignatius Lau, a shooting guard. 'That was probably the best start we could have asked for. We knew that they were going to hit us back. But I feel like my team has responded really well, we still kept in the game and made sure that we gave them a good fight.' RI coach Kua Hiong Yong added: 'To reach this final and then post such a big fight to the team that has two consecutive championships... I think they have done whatever they can, so I'm very proud of my boys today.' Raffles Institution's S Adityah (in white) attempting to block a reverse lay-up by Anglo-Chinese Junior College's captain Eshan Kaul (in dark blue) in the National School Games A Div Boys' basketball final at Jurong East Sports Hall on May 23. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM ACJC then turned up the heat in the second quarter, going into the half 32-23 up, before maintaining their lead despite RI outscoring them 15-14 and 19-18 in the third and fourth quarters respectively. ACJC coach Lee Boon Hian, who was very animated throughout, shouting instructions from the sidelines, said he believes this helped 'the players to push further, because I think they were kind of lost'. He added: 'Being vocal will lead them to the championship.' His captain, power forward Eshan Kaul added: ' Our coach is always like that. That's his way of encouraging us and motivating us. And through training he's like this, and it's a lot of pressure, but it trains us for this moment exactly, so that when the time gets tough, we can execute his plan. 'The feeling is great, we train super hard and have had a lot of problems, but to come back and win it, it's an incredible feeling.' Melvyn Teoh is a sports journalist at The Straits Times. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The National
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Simranjeet Singh aims to make up for lost time after realising dream of international cricket with UAE
Having just celebrated his 35th birthday, Simranjeet Singh must have feared the international cricket career he had always craved had passed him by. Nearly four years earlier, he had already given up on trying to crack Ranji Trophy domestic cricket in India, and had looked for ways to make a living from the game elsewhere. It was Covid times, and cricket had dried up in the state of Punjab. So the left-arm spinner travelled from his home in Ludhiana to the UAE instead, and picked up some matches. He impressed, and the boss of one of the domestic club sides he played for arranged to convert his visa into a permanent one, on the proviso he represent the staff cricket team. The matches continued and, when he went up against UAE national team players, he found he could more than hold his own. Still, recognition had to be forced as much as earned. He found out where the national team were training, and approached the coach, the former India Test player Lalchand Rajput. 'On my first day here, I spoke to [Rajput], and said, 'Sir, I am a spinner, I have completed my three years [residency qualification to be eligible to play international cricket] here and play A Division cricket – can you just check me out, and tell me what you think?'' Simranjeet said. 'He said, 'OK, just wait five minutes and in the next round you can come and bowl.' He gave me an opportunity in the nets, and felt good about me. 'He invited me back the next day, so I came back and after that he said I could continue joining their camp. The fact the bowlers were impressed with my bowling made me confident.' Simranjeet was kept on to bowl in the nets, and bolstered the ranks whenever there were practice matches. He discovered he was becoming a permanent fixture in the training squad. Then, last November, they made it official: he was called into the team for a regional T20 World Cup qualifier in Qatar, and debuted a week after turning 35. 'You know when you are bowling well and think you have a chance,' Simranjeet said. 'After that, sir told me I would be going in the team. I had been waiting for that moment for 18 or 19 years. When he announced the name of Simranjeet Singh in the 14-man squad, it was like a dream for me. 'I had goosebumps and was thinking, 'Seriously? Now I am in an international team?' It was a proud and emotional moment for me and my family.' He said he was lost for words when he told his news to those closest to him. 'I went home and was on a video call with my family,' he said. 'There are four of us in our family – mum, dad, sister, and me – and we were all in separate places. No one was sitting together. 'The video call started, and I couldn't speak any words. I had been given my kit, so I just showed my UAE helmet on the screen, and everyone started crying. 'They had also all been waiting since 2006 for this moment. In those years, I had not been earning any money. They had been paying for me – my sister, my mum, everybody – as I had not been working in India until I got here. 'I wasn't earning, I was just playing cricket for seven or eight hours per day, practicing. I was easily doing 40-50 overs in practice every day. So for me to bowl 15 or 20 overs, that is an easy task.' In accordance with his Sikh faith, Simranjeet has never cut his hair or his beard, and he is proud to represent his religion as an international cricketer. He is grateful to Rajput, as well as Harbhajan Singh Kala, his first coach back home in Ludhiana, for helping him reach this point. Rajput, for his part, believes he can be an asset for the national team, both now and in the future. 'As a left-arm spinner, the more revolutions he gives is what struck me,' Rajput said. 'Most bowlers here have played T20 and T10, so they try to bowl the ball a little bit flatter. They want to contain the batters and are not bowling to take wickets. 'What I saw from him is a typical left-arm spinner, the type we see in India, who are putting more revolutions on the ball, giving flight, and beating the batsmen in the air. 'He has a lot of variations as well because he has a good arm ball. I think we have to back such players, and he has done exceptionally well. 'He never wants to give up at any time. He is always saying, 'Sir, I will bowl at this stage.' That is a good sign. He is not afraid of getting hit.' Simranjeet will face the biggest challenge of his fledgling international career to date on tour in Amsterdam this month. The national team return to Cricket World Cup League Two action when they face Scotland and the Netherlands – perhaps the two strongest sides in it. 'When you play against the best, only then will you come to know where you stand,' Rajput said. 'If you are playing against the best team and you do well, then the sky is the limit. 'You must always aim to be the best, and that is the attitude we are trying to get across. 'I come from Mumbai in India, and cricketers in Mumbai have the attitude that you must never give up at any time, until the last run is scored and the last wicket is taken.'
