Asia Cup 2018: Pakistan has played a major role in promoting cricket in the UAE, says Sarfraz Ahmed

Sarfraz Ahmed credits Pakistan players and Board for reviving cricket in the UAE.

Ahmed says they are well prepared for Asia Cup 32018 | AP

Sarfraz Ahmed has credited on Wednesday (September 12) to Pakistan Cricket Team and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for reviving cricket in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the upcoming 2018 edition of the Asia Cup is scheduled to be played from September 15.

He further added that the Men in Green and his country played key role in raising the profile of UAE as a cricketing hub in the world, as there was no cricket since 2002-03 and ever since they started playing cricket in 2009, its reputation has been increasing day by day and is seen on the map of the cricketing world.

At the moment, Ahmed is in the UAE to lead Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2018, which also involves other teams –India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Honk Kong.

Sarfraz told ARY news channel, “There is no doubt Pakistan cricket board has played a major role in promoting UAE cricket. Credit goes to PCB as there was no cricket in Sharjah since 2002-03.”

The skipper further added, “But ever since Pakistan has come here to play, we now see they are having the Emirates league, Afghanistan T20 league, T10, IPL matches have been held here, PSL is here. It’s because of Pakistan cricket team and board that cricket has been revived in UAE.”

Pakistan are seen as the favourites to win the 2018 Asia Cup title, as the familiar conditions in the UAE gives them an extra edge in the tournament, but Sarfraz declined that fact, saying UAE conditions keep changing and his team has well prepared for conditions and weather.

Sarfraz signed off by saying, “We have trained very well. We had good preparation in Lahore, played a practice match as well. Batsmen look in good nick, bowlers did well. The morale is very high. UAE conditions keep changing. At this time, weather is hot and humid. We have prepared for that. Training is very important for this weather.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 13 Sep, 2018

    Share Via