CP Rizwan ready to make UAE – and Kerala – proud again as international cricket returns

The Covid-enforced dearth of international cricket in 2021 was keenly felt by all of UAE’s leading players, but none more so than CP Rizwan.

The Kerala-born batsman must have thought he had finally cracked international cricket when he scored an uplifting century in a one-day international against Ireland a year ago.

Until then point, he had been on the fringes of the side – sometimes in the XI, sometimes not, and scarcely ever convincing.

Then, having wiled away the first coronavirus lockdown by having throw-downs from his wife in their apartment in Sharjah, he finally had his moment, with a brilliant ton. Against a Test-playing nation, too.

It led to one of UAE cricket’s finest ever victories and then … nothing. The national team have not played a one-day international series since, and have only had four matches of competitive cricket besides.

Rizwan is philosophical about having his – and his team’s – development interrupted by circumstances beyond anyone’s control. They are about to embark on a twice-stalled series of matches against Oman in the World Cup League Two.

The three-match series is part of the qualifying process for the next 50-over World Cup, and is promptly followed by a tournament offering two places for the T20 version later this year.

CP Rizwan cuts a cake baked in honour of him becoming the first Keralite to score an ODI century. Courtesy CP Rizwan

“When you have a good series against a Test nation you want to take that confidence and win more matches for UAE,” Rizwan said.

“Unfortunately, it has not been the case. We have been deprived of matches. It is one year since we have played any ODI matches after that.

“That was the innings which gave me confidence to think I can get big scores for the UAE