Lalchand Rajput Takes Helm as UAE Head Coach

The T20 format is one of the most popular formats in the cricket World. The shortest format is spreading excitement among all cricket lovers across the globe. UAE is a familiar name in the shortest format. The UAE board made a great move. India’s former T20 World Cup-winning coach Lalchand Rajput has been appointed as their head coach. 

Rajput as UAE Head Coach and Previous Career:

In a recent development, the Emirates Cricket Board has formally introduced Lalchand Rajput as the new head coach of the UAE men’s team for a tenure spanning three years. This official announcement was made on Wednesday, February 21. Rajput’s appointment signifies a fresh chapter for UAE cricket, and the board expresses confidence in his leadership to propel the team towards new heights of success over the next three years.

Significantly, Lalchand Rajput has a notable cricketing background, having previously served as the team manager for the triumphant Indian squad in the 2007 T20 World Cup. He further extended his coaching expertise by leading the Mumbai Indians during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League. 

Rajput took on the role of Afghanistan‘s head coach in 2016, succeeding Inzamam-ul-Haq, and achieved the milestone of guiding the team to Full Membership status with Test recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Following his tenure with Afghanistan, the seasoned right-handed batter also took on coaching responsibilities for Zimbabwe from 2018 to 2022.

Rajput’s Words:

Rajput is gearing up to step into his new role this week. His timing couldn’t be more exciting as the UAE gets ready to host a thrilling ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 ODI tri-series involving Canada and Scotland. The action kicks off on Wednesday, February 28, with UAE taking on Canada in Dubai. Moreover, Rajput’s inaugural T20I challenge is just around the corner in March, as Scotland is set to clash with Muhammad Waseem and his squad in a thrilling three-match series in Dubai. Get ready for some cricketing excitement. 

While thanking the cricket board, he said, “I want to thank the Emirates Cricket Board for appointing me for this exciting role. UAE has emerged as one of the stronger Associate Members in recent years and the players have put in some good performances in both ODIs and T20Is. The current batch is exceptionally talented and I look forward to working with them and further harnessing their cricket skills.”

Further, he added, “I am confident that the boys buoyed by their exposure to top-quality cricket and practice facilities here in Dubai will continue to prosper, UAE cricket has a very bright future and my goal would be to make the team perform more consistently and take them to the next level which I am very confident they are fully capable of.”

Board’s Reaction:

Amid the excitement, Mubashshir Usmani, the General Secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board, praised Lalchand Rajput’s coaching achievements as he warmly welcomed him to his new position. Additionally, Usmani affirmed that Mudassar Nazar, who had been filling in as interim head coach, will now resume his duties as Head of the National Academy Programme. 

Emirates board’s General Secretary said, “We are confident that under his coaching UAE men’s cricket will flourish further. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Mudassar Nazar for his stellar work as the interim head coach. Mudassar will now return to his role as Head of the National Academy Programme where he will continue to identify and groom our future stars.”

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