Expatriates should be allowed to represent UAE team on International level: Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia

What do you have to say about the stadium coming up in Dubai and Abu Dhabi ?

I am quite impressed with the facilities provided by the Dubai Cricket Council. Dubai was organising a tournament involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka but due to the delay in final approval by ICC, they are left with no time to organise the event. But I hope things will be sorted out in the future.

As far as the Asia Cricket Foundation (ACF) is concerned, do you have similar plans for upcoming cricketing countries like Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, and of course UAE to have exchange of teams and that would also mean more exposure?

I agree when UAE team visiting other countries or somebody else coming in on a regular basis, it gets to the mind of ICC and to other people also that UAE is taking interest. Presently, maybe they are not organising national level cricket in that manner which gives ICC the feeling that these guys are interested. Furthermore, ICC may not feel that they are only interested in organising international tournaments. It is on the part of the ECB to go out and play.

ACF is doing a great deal as far as the development of the game is concerned and I am thankful to ICC, which has allotted 50% of the development funds for Asia. This is primarily for the purpose of promoting the game in these parts of Asia.

The other thing that I have done being a President of PCB is that I have asked the cricket boards of Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore and UAE to send one player each who is talented and has a potential and I would coach them without any charge. Every Asian board like India and Sri Lanka would extend such facilities, so this is another aspect of development and promotion of cricket. Therefore ACF will go in a big way to develop these people into good players.

What sort of role will ACF play in the promotion of cricket in UAE?

As President of the ACF - and UAE being a part of Asia - I will try my best to promote cricket in the UAE and I believe UAE has the potential as well as the facilities.

Any message for cricket lovers?

This part of the world gives you a lot of cricket and if you can't promote or develop yourself as a cricketer, I think it's a great misfortune of these people because there are a lot of facilities provided here.

Your thoughts about the launch of uaecricket.com and how can it play a role in promoting the game?

Yes, I heard about the website and its a great idea to promote UAE cricket on global level. UAEcricket.com would be of great help for domestic cricket, as people outside this country will come to know about this cricket crazy nation. I will influence the UAE board to help you and ACF is ready to help you any time. You are most welcome.

About Abdul Rehman Bukhatir

What do you say about Mr.Bukhatir's role in the promotion of Cricket in United Arab Emirates?

Well Mr. Bukhatir has done a great job for the promotion of Cricket on the international as well as on the domestic level. Its been around 20 years that he has been holding tournaments in Sharjah. He has created a lot of interest among the people of UAE. Furthermore, he has not only called cricketers from different part of the world but also invited people from all walks of life.

Your views about the Sharjah venue.
Bukhatir has turned Sharjah Stadium into one of the best-rated venues in the world of cricket where every cricketer wants to play. His love for cricket is reflected in his decision to build a cricket stadium in Morocco. This is what I call the promotion of cricket. He is promoting cricket where the game is not ever played.

Well Mr Bukhatir has done so much for cricket. Do you have plans in future to do anything for him?

You see, I have already included him in ACF and It is only because I know that he has a genius and so much of foresight and love for the game. Therefore I would like to utilise him for the promotion of cricket in Asia.

Do you think Pakistan would go for any testimonial match in recognition of the services put in by Bukhatir?

Sure why not. Any time !

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Wednesday, October 11, 2000.
source : UAEcricket.com.

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