South African cricketing icon Lance Klusener. — Supplied photo
Zeeshan Naseer, Muhammad Rohid, and Rohaan Mustafa are some of the UAE players who have gained prominence in the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10 cricket tournament. Over time, this rapid format of cricket has unearthed many promising talents who have subsequently made their mark in international cricket. The recent surge in local talent within UAE cricket has clearly signaled to the global cricketing community that a new cricketing force is on the rise.
Lance Klusener, a renowned South African cricketer, believes that the Abu Dhabi T10 has had a significant impact on UAE cricket, much like the Indian Premier League (IPL) has had on grassroots cricket in India. This is particularly evident with the rule that mandates each team to include two UAE players in their playing XI.
"It's a fantastic initiative to have two UAE players on the field at all times. This is a standard rule in franchise cricket, but it provides excellent opportunities for these players. We witness them growing and adding more value to UAE cricket, ultimately. It's quite similar to what the IPL has done for Indian cricket, though T10 is slightly different, it still identifies and nurtures talent," Klusener commented.
The former batting all-rounder, famous for his fast-paced playing style, is currently the head coach of Morrisville Samp Army. Under his leadership, Samp Army has had an outstanding season, securing a top-two position in the round-robin stage.
Klusener, known for his dynamic batting and quick running between the wickets, was a fan favorite for his unique style, much like his former teammate Jonty Rhodes. The 53-year-old enjoys the fast-paced nature of the T10 format, which aligns with his cricketing style, and is now in his third year as a coach for Morrisville.
"The T10 format suits the kind of cricket I used to play. It's great to be involved in coaching and working with some of the best players in the world. I'm thrilled to be here and working with the top players in the field," he expressed.
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