Bowled over by cricket

In 2014, Rizwan Rauf, who was born and brought up in Thalassery, Kerala, got placed in a firm in the UAE after completing his electrical engineering degree. This meant Rizwan had to say goodbye to his family, friends and his beloved cricket. This Kerala Ranji team member had a tough time giving up his favourite sport and moving to a foreign land to pursue his professional dreams. But C.T.K. Mashud, a friend and former Kerala Ranji team player, reassured Rizwan that he wouldn’t have to completely give up on his cricketing ambitions. Mashud told him to try a hand at flaunting his skills in domestic leagues.  

Things were drab during Rizwan’s initial days in the UAE, but suddenly everything changed when he got an opportunity to play for a local club there. This match proved to be a stepping stone for Rizwan, who then started playing for Bukhatir 11 in the Dubai Cricket Council Gold Cup. Bukhatir 11 team is owned by the company he works for. But lady luck didn’t cease to smile at Rizwan, who’s now gotten the ultimate big break — an offer to play for the UAE national team.

“As a batsman and as a spinner, I could play well and won Man of the Series awards in many domestic tournaments. It paved the way to success,” says Rizwan.

He was a part of the Kerala Ranji Trophy team in 2010-11 and played with the likes of Sanju Samson and had even toured South Africa with the team. He nursed the dream of playing in a major tournament and knew if he stayed in the UAE and played for four or more years, he would be eligible to play for the national team. This was on his mind while representing local teams.

“I have given my best to whatever opportunities I’ve received. I want to, one day, do well for the UAE and help the team win major ICC tournaments. So I set a goal,” shares Rizwan, who will have to strike a balance with his work as well.

Rizwan has had strong support throughout his sporting journey. “I am grateful to both Mashud and Ram Mohan sir for guiding me. I used to play for Students’ Club when I started. Then I played for Cordiant Club in Cochin. Ram Mohan was the coach and mentor when I played for the Ranji Trophy. I made my senior debut in domestic cricket playing for the Nucaf Tellicherry team and then Yogi Group. While playing for ANIB Kannur Royals, I had won the Man of the Series award in the Kerala Cricket League,” he adds.

After getting selected for the UAE national team, coach Doughie Brown met Rizwan and appreciated his performance in domestic leagues in the UAE.

There are a few Kerala players who have represented UAE in the past. Krishna Chandran, Lakshman and Shanil played for the UAE. But none of them had played in the Ranji Trophy for Kerala, except Krishna who was in Ranji one-dayers.

Rizwan idolises Virat Kohli and Moeen Ali of England and says he is relieved in a way that UAE didn’t qualify in the Asia Cup this time. “I would have been forced to play against my own country, had the UAE qualified for the Asia Cup. It would have been an emotional time,” he smiles. He dedicates his success to his parents and wife, who have shown much patience.  

Rizwan has played some friendlies against teams like Afghanistan recently. Along with him, Chirag Suri who had played for Gujarat Lions in IPL played against Afghanistan in UAE colours. He says in a couple of months, New Zealand and Australia are touring the UAE and he is hopeful he can make the official international debut for the UAE against either of them.