You only have to look at Danube Lions’ trophy cabinet to see why they are one of the most successful domestic cricket teams in the UAE. Their indoor team has been a dominant force since launching in 1996, and their outdoor outfit is proving to be equally successful.

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Last season, the outdoor side won all their games to lift the Bukhatir and Al Hamad trophies, and are currently on a 19-match winning streak in the 50-over format.

It’s no surprise that their achievements have made Danube Lions’ owner Anis Sajan proud. But for him it’s more than just titles. He has a vision of taking UAE cricket forward.

“I’ll be very honest, I rarely followed local cricket in the UAE. I don’t know for what reason, but I was just happy with my indoor team because we were winning titles, doing well and almost winning everything,” he said.

“A journalist asked me why don’t I start an outdoor team and that is where the idea struck.”

While most players have to juggle their cricket careers with full-time jobs in the UAE, the case is different for Danube Lions. His players are full-time cricketers, mainly from Pakistan and India, and his team is coached by Taimoor Khan, who oversees training five times a week.

“Taimoor is one of those coaches who is always on the ground with the boys. He grooms them so well that they are mentally and physically fit,” explained Sajan.

With many Twenty20 tournaments played in the UAE, Sajan launched the first Danube Test Series in 2013 which gave players an opportunity to play longer innings in the two-day matches.

It was considered a success and with few 50-over events in the UAE, Sajan started the Danube One-Day Series which his team won earlier this year.

“The biggest highlight is starting the Test series. There’s nothing bigger than that,” he said. “The reason for starting Test cricket here is I wanted to see players learn how to play 90 overs in a day.

“The first thing I tell my players is that you have to bat out the full overs and have to see the new ball off, just the way other international teams do.

“I have a vision of the UAE playing Test cricket one day. Okay, it will not come overnight but this Test series as well as more 50-over games can play a part.”

He believes cricket and player development must begin at the grassroots level.

“The things that I’m doing is not just for Danube,” he added. “I love this country even though I don’t hold a UAE passport and want them to do well in a sport that I love. But it must continue to develop from grassroots.”