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The National
a day ago
- Sport
- The National
ILT20: James Anderson's ‘diehard fan' Khuzaima Tanveer thankful for faith shown in him by Desert Vipers
When the franchises announced their player retentions for the next season of the DP World International League T20 last month, the main stars were all present and correct. Phil Salt and Sunil Narine will be back with Abdu Dhabi Knight Riders. Rovman Powell and Shai Hope will lead Dubai Capitals' title defence. Fazalhaq Farooqi will return to extend his wicket-taking record with MI Emirates, and Tim Southee to try again to turn around the fortunes of Sharjah Warriorz. The teams were clearly getting their priorities straight ahead of the volatility of an auction, which will take place for the first time in the UAE's T20 league, at the end of next month. While stardust abounded among the initial intake of players, there was one player in among there who is still some way off from playing international cricket. And he did not even feature in the first half the season for his franchise last term. Such was the impression he made after his belated debut in ILT20's season three, the Desert Vipers were unlikely to want to let Khuzaima Tanveer out of their grasp. The 25-year-old fast bowler watched his team race to the top of the table, and the three other UAE-based players – all younger than him – get their chance. He was perfectly happy just to be there, watching from the sidelines on matchday, while learning from the stars at training. Then he was handed his bow for a match in Sharjah, and suddenly everyone realised what a gem they had found. He took 4-22 on debut, clean bowling Tim Seifert, Rohan Mustafa and Southee in the process. Khuzaima remains some way off from being eligible to play for the UAE. He qualifies as per the ICC residency rules next year. But he has already been brought into the camp ahead of the side's T20 tri-series against Afghanistan and Pakistan, which starts later this month. It has become a custom of the national team. They have had a raft of new players who have made their names in ILT20 even before becoming available for the national team. Haider Ali and Mohammed Rohid have debuted for the UAE this summer, having trained with the team first. Khuzaima hopes he will be able to do similar when his turn comes. 'They have been giving us a feel of the environment so that within one year they can consider us for selection for the team,' he said. His retention by the Vipers means he does not have to go through the stress of auditioning via the ILT20 Development Tournament. He is grateful for the faith that has been shown in him. 'I was not expecting it,' he said. 'Having played just one season, they wanted to retain me and that pleased me a lot. I can't even explain how it felt. It was totally out of this world.' It means he might get the chance to make more memories, like the day of his debut, which culminated in him giving three TV interviews, one of which to Waqar Younis, the Pakistan great. They were considering me for Karachi Kings in the PSL, but unfortunately I got injured playing first-class cricket Khuzaima Tanveer 'If you are a young fast bowler getting four wickets in your very first game, and the TV shows it, then it feels like a dream,' he said. 'I hadn't played the first six games, but the environment the franchises create and their way of talking to the players, I really enjoyed their company. I really enjoyed practicing with the coaching staff. '[After his success on debut] I got too many messages. My Instagram was full, my WhatsApp was full. 'My brother sent a message saying, 'What you did on your debut, we were not expecting this from you. Everyone is messaging and calling me to say, 'Your brother is doing brilliantly'. 'When you cross the rope, you need to give 100 percent. If you are nervous, you can't do that. I was just trying to help my team out, and the plan was executed.' He is thrilled his family are so pleased with his success. It was the fact they had fallen on hard times which prompted him to leave home in Karachi and take up an offer to play for Karwan Strikers in UAE domestic cricket. It meant leaving behind a promising career in the game in Pakistan. 'It was my first year going for trials and I was sent for first-class,' he said of his start in formal cricket, after starting out playing tape-ball. 'That is very unusual so I was thinking, How is this possible? I joined the camp, and took 20 wickets in six games, which was the best from the whole state of Sindh. 'They were considering me for Karachi Kings in the PSL, but unfortunately I got injured playing first-class cricket. 'I had pain my lower back, so was out of the contest. Then, because of some family issues I decided to move from Pakistan to some other country, which is how I ended up in UAE. 'I had to find somewhere to earn some money and make my family financially stable.' While Pakistan's tape-ball cricket scene has often been a breeding ground for fast bowlers, not all have had such a classical bowling action as Khuzaima. 'I am the biggest fan of Jimmy Anderson,' he said. 'I always used to try to copy him in my action and copy his deliveries. I am a diehard fan of Jimmy Anderson.' 'I really enjoyed their company, their way of talking, and the way they give confidence to others,' he said.
Gulf Today
28-01-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Thrill, talent and fierce competition takes the spotlight at the DP World ILT20
· Match tickets for Season 3 are available here · DP World ILT20 Season 3 schedule available here, squads available here · DP World ILT20 Season 3 opening ceremony, match and event's photographs available here The DP World ILT20 Season 3 is underway, captivating cricket fans worldwide once again with six franchises armed with some of the world's finest players battling it out for the coveted trophy. The region's premier T20 competition began on Saturday 11 January at the Dubai International Stadium with a thrilling rematch of last year's final between the Dubai Capitals and the MI Emirates. The game delivered drama to fans as Dubai Capitals' Farhan Khan held his nerve to defend 11 runs in the final over against MI Emirates' Kieron Pollard. The duel that saw a young UAE pacer square off against a stalwart of the game, perfectly encapsulates the essence of the DP World ILT20. UAE's cricketers have registered several noteworthy performances. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders' Alishan Sharafu has emerged as one of the top performers, scoring 182 runs in seven innings at an average of 30.33. He is currently among the tournament's top ten run-getters and second on the list of all-time leading scorers among UAE players, trailing only Muhammad Waseem, who has 805 runs to his name. The UAE players have made a significant mark with the ball as well. Two of the season's top three bowling figures belong to UAE bowlers. Gulf Giants' Aayan Afzal Khan delivered a standout performance, claiming four wickets for just 16 runs (4/16), the best-ever figures by a UAE player in DP World ILT20 history. The 19-year-old also boasts a shrewd economy rate this season (6.14) conceding just 86 runs in his 14 overs so far trailing only Sunil Narine and Wanindu Hasaranga (minimum ten overs bowled). The International stars have also asserted themselves in the tournament. Dubai Capitals' Shai Hope currently leads the race for the Green Belt (most runs) with 334 runs in seven innings including a century. Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi currently dons the White Belt as the leading wicket taker with 16 scalps for the MI Emirates in seven matches. The quality of cricket this season has been exceptional, treating fans to closely fought contests. Notably, the record for the highest successful chase in DP World ILT20 history was broken twice. The Sharjah Warriorz first chased down 202/5 against Dubai Capitals in Sharjah, marking the first time a target of over 200 had been breached in the competition. Just days later, the Capitals rewrote history, successfully chasing 207/2 against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Desert Vipers' Alex Hales, a consistent feature in the tournament since its inception, became the first batter to amass 1,000 runs in the competition. Adding to his milestones, Hales joined Chris Gayle as the only players in T20 cricket to surpass 2,000 boundaries. The Desert Vipers have been the team to beat this season, becoming the first franchise to qualify for the playoffs. Their campaign began with an impressive streak of four consecutive victories and currently lead the table with 12 points in seven outings Dubai Capitals sit second with eight points, while the middle of the table is tightly contested. MI Emirates, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, and Gulf Giants are all tied on six points, separated only by net run rate. Sharjah Warriorz, currently in sixth place with four points, also have an outside chance to mount a late surge into the playoffs with three matches remaining. Amongst the stars in action are David Warner (Dubai Capitals), Jason Holder (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Dasun Shanaka (Dubai Capitals) Phil Salt (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Sharjah Warriorz), Sam Curran (Desert Vipers), Fazalhaq Farooqi (MI Emirates), Kieron Pollard (MI Emirates), Andre Russell (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz), Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), , Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), and Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants) Beyond the action on the field, DP World ILT20 Season 3 offers fans an immersive experience with its cricket carnival. Each match day is a celebration, featuring live music, interactive games, food stalls, and activities for all ages. Adding to the excitement is the daily 'Epic Dreams and Wins' raffle draw, which gives spectators even more reasons to join the festivities. The tournament, paired with the perfect UAE weather and tourist attractions, creates an unforgettable blend of world-class cricket and entertainment for fans worldwide. All matches are played across Abu Dhabi's Zayed Cricket Stadium, Dubai International Stadium, and Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The final is scheduled for Sunday, 9 February at the Dubai International Stadium. Points Table
