Sport 360° exclusively sit down with local UAE cricketer Karim Al Azhari to discuss his favourite memories in the sport and find out about his passions off the pitch.
Vipin Ayappath
Team: Blue Bulls
Born: Kerala, India
Best cricket match watched: India vs Australia in Sharjah in 1998 when Sachin Tendulkar scored back-to-back centuries.
First cricket match you saw: Tough one. I can't really remember the first one I saw.
Favourite format of the game to watch: Tests
Favourite player growing up: Sachin Tendulkar
First piece of cricket equipment you bought or given: A cricket bat when I was 14.
Stadium you'd most like to visit: Lord’s. I would just love to go there and watch a match.
Best player at the moment:Virat Kohli
Your favourite television sporting moment? Boris Becker winning the Wimbledon title in 1985 to become the youngest champion at 17. It was great to see someone so young win a huge tournament.
Other sports you play: Football
Favourite meal: Indian dishes, especially biriyani.
Favourite places to visit in the UAE: No specific place, I just love all of the UAE.
Best thing about playing cricket in the UAE: It keeps me relaxed. After a hard week at work it helps to release my tension and pressure.