New UAE recruit Syed Haider Shah ready to make a name for himself after emotional call-up

During a week in which the prestige of playing for the national cricket team suffered a knock, the side’s newest recruit was moved to tears when he received his first senior call-up.

Usman Khan has opted to forego the chance to represent the UAE after being selected for Pakistan this week.

The Dubai resident had spent nearly four years in the country, and was seemingly bound for a call-up as soon as he became eligible for selection next year.

However, he has instead been named in Pakistan’s squad for a T20 series against New Zealand later this month.

Usman's decision to opt for his country of birth has led to him being banned from UAE domestic competition for the next five years.

While that issue has been unfolding, the national team have been preparing for the ACC Premier Cup. They will start their campaign in that 10-team competition when they face Kuwait in Muscat on Friday.

The winners of the competition will earn a place in next year's Asia Cup – where Usman’s Pakistan will lie in wait.

Among the UAE’s squad in Oman will be first-time tourist Syed Haider Shah. Fair to say, there is little doubt about what playing for the country means to him.

The 22-year-old wicketkeeper batter represented the country in Under-19 cricket with distinction, and has had to wait patiently for his chance.

He found out he had promoted to the senior set up for the first time for the series in Muscat following a practice match against Hong Kong in Dubai this week.

UAE's 14-member squad for the ACC Men's T20 Premier Cup 2024 Oman