Finding a like-for-like replacement for the retired Khurram Khan, the UAE's finest cricketer, is an impossible job.
Given that three players – a leader, a batsman and a spin bowler – will be required to cover his loss, several players could have a key role to play in the post-Khurram era.
Mohammed Tauqir, off spinner, captain
Tauqir, the longest-serving UAE cricketer, took over from Khurram as captain just before the start of the 50-over World Cup this year.
Despite his controversial appointment, as well as his advanced years (at 43, he is only six months younger than Khurram) the off-spinner performed well in Australia and New Zealand. His leadership will be crucial in Scotland and Ireland.
Ahmed Raza, left-arm spinner
The UAE-born spin bowler had for so long seemed Khurram’s heir apparent as the captain of UAE, then Tauqir made a comeback and Raza was shuffled out of the World Cup squad entirely. Raza clearly feels passionately for the cause. He took annual leave and flew to the World Cup as a supporter at his own expense. He has been restored to the squad for this trip, but it is unclear whether he is as sure about his role as before.
Fayyaz Ahmed, left-arm spinner
Another player who was unlucky to miss out after years of sterling service when the national team played on the top stage. Fayyaz was overlooked in favour of a teenager when the UAE played at the World Twenty20 last year. His big hitting in the late-middle order, allied to his left-arm spin, makes him an attractive option in the 20-over format.
Swapnil Patil, middle-order batsman
Highly regarded by coach Aaqib Javed, who wants Swapnil, Shaiman Anwar and Saqib Ali, the experienced middle-order core, to take on the responsibility for run-scoring in the same way Khurram did so regularly. Swapnil has been in prime form of late, with a century against a Scotland XI and half-centuries against Ireland and South Africa.
Saqib Ali, middle-order batsman
Saqib is intent on making up for lost time and lost opportunities. He has been the most reliable batsman in the UAE, along with Khurram, for much of the past decade.
He missed the World Twenty20 with a back injury, missed out on a Bangladesh Premier League contract because of a visa issue and was omitted from this year’s 50-over World Cup. Time is running out for the 37-year-old batsman.
pradley@thenational.ae
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Springtime in a Broken Mirror,
Mario Benedetti, Penguin Modern Classics
The specs
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Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
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The biog
Favourite book: Men are from Mars Women are from Venus
Favourite travel destination: Ooty, a hill station in South India
Hobbies: Cooking. Biryani, pepper crab are her signature dishes
Favourite place in UAE: Marjan Island
MATCH INFO
Europa League semi-final, second leg
Atletico Madrid (1) v Arsenal (1)
Where: Wanda Metropolitano
When: Thursday, kick-off 10.45pm
Live: On BeIN Sports HD
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Anxiety and work stress major factors
Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.
A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.
Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.
One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.
It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."
Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.
“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi.
“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."
Daniel Bardsley
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
INFO
What: DP World Tour Championship
When: November 21-24
Where: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae.
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
