UAE coach Aaqib Javed hailed Khurram Khan as a ‘great fighter’ and claims he had enough potential to play for Pakistan. Khan left his homeland after university in 1999 and became eligible to play for the UAE in 2001. 

– UAE: Khurram Khan retires from international cricket
– UAE: Retiring Khurram Khan keen on UAE coaching role
– David Richardson: ICC’s steps to avoid FIFA corruption

Javed, who has worked with Khan for the last three years, said: “He’s very skilled and a kind of character who would lead from the front and had great self-belief.

“I have no doubt that if he had stayed in Pakistan, he could’ve been representing Pakistan as he had international potential, great skills and good temperament. On top of that, he’s a great fighter.

“He was always a true leader and has inspired all the youngsters during his career and I wish him all the luck in the future.”

After Khan, 43, expressed his intention to help the UAE in a coaching capacity, Javed added: “Hopefully he can come in and be batting consultant so he can help the youngsters and the UAE team.

“He knows everyone and understands the mentality and approach and whenever he’s free from his work, we will want to use his expertise from time to time.”

The 1992 World Cup winner acknowledges that Khan will leave a big hole in his batting line-up but is confident the players can rise to the occasion.

He said: “It’s always difficult to replace players like Khurram Khan but life has to go on and it’s a great opportunity for different players like Swapnil Patil and Saqib Ali to step up and put on a good show. It definitely won’t be easy but somebody has to come forward.”