Aimed at finding the stars of tomorrow, the series has already been a massive hit after sessions were held in Ajman, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. And for aspiring cricketers, there’s one last opportunity to showcase their talent when the Talent Hunt comes to a conclusion this Saturday at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Between 19:00 and 22:00, men aged from 18-30 and women from 14-30, can show off their batting and bowling skills under the presence of national head coach Aaqib Javed and the ECB selectors, including former captain Mohammed Tauqir.
The initiative is part of the ECB’s drive in identifying talent to ensure the UAE remain a competitive force on the world stage. Since Javed was appointed in 2012, the team has made enormous progress with qualifications to the World Twenty20 in 2014, the 50-over World Cup in 2015 and the Asia Cup in February earlier this year.
With cricket widely popular in the UAE with a number of matches played every weekend across the country, the ECB want to spot new talent.
“We, the Emirates Cricket Board are acutely aware that we have an extremely deep player-pool of cricketers who would qualify under the ICC regulations to represent the UAE in junior, women’s and men’s formats,” said Zayed Abbas, an ECB selector.
“However a large number of these players simply have not had the opportunity to show us their skills for various reasons.”
“The Talent Hunt is an open session for cricketers living in the UAE and we strongly encourage interested persons to come along and show us their abilities.
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Dubai’s session last Saturday saw its biggest turn-out with more than 500 flocking to the ICC Academy.
ECB national development manager Andrew Russell insists it’s not one to be missed.
“For those who play a lot of cricket in the UAE and have dreams of playing for the UAE team, then this is for them,” he said.
“We want to continue pushing forward and achieve success on the field. This is a great starting point to get noticed and then work their way upwards to the national team.”
The Talent Hunt is free to enter, although all cricketers must live in the UAE.
Once the process is finished, the ECB will draw up a shortlist where players who have made the next stage, will be notified.
What: Emirates Cricket Board UAE’s Talent Hunt
Where: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
When: Saturday, 19:00 to 22:00
Contact: For more information, visit www.emiratescricket.com