Given the diverse mix of nations at this month’s World Twenty20 qualifier in the UAE, maybe it should be no surprise to see people wearing “I love Paris” T-shirts at the ground.
France are not in it, though. Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Italy and Bermuda are. But, no, there are no Frenchmen here.
And yet the plain white tees with the simple inscription on the front have still been spotted. There is a reason for it. Misspelt it may be, but it is in homage to Paras Khadka, the captain of Nepal’s national team.
He is one of the emerging superstars who exist beyond cricket’s mainstream and who are vying for the sort of recognition the world stage brings.
The World Twenty20 in Bangladesh would be an appropriate platform for his talent, according to Nepal’s coach, Pubudu Dassanayake, the former Sri Lanka player.
“One of the discussions we have had within the group is that guys like Paras and Shakti Gauchan are top-quality cricketers but they have not had the opportunity for recognition in the cricketing world,” Dassanayake said.
“This is the stage on which they can do it. Paras is one guy who is really hungry for this opportunity.
“He is really looking forward to getting his name out there into the high levels of the game.”
If, as the cliche goes, India is cricket crazy, then Nepal are happily cohabitants at that asylum. Nepalese cricket is enjoying an inexorable ascent at present.
India’s part in it has been notable, too, by way of the constant stream of cricket coverage on the country’s TV channels, which are available to their Himalayan neighbours.
Tens of thousands of spectators attend home matches for Nepal’s national team in Kathmandu.
All the more so since they have a team in which they can believe: Nepal think one of the six qualification berths on offer at this tournament is well within their compass.
“People could regard it as pressure but we take it as an opportunity,” Khadka said.
“In one lifetime I don’t think you will get a better opportunity than this.
“We have been doing well as a team and if we can do the small things right, T20 cricket can go any way.
“It is all about us focusing on what we need to do, and the rest will take care of itself.”
Khadka, whose side start their qualification campaign against Denmark in Dubai on Friday, has already signalled his credentials before the tournament has even started.
Continuing the form he showed on Nepal’s preceding 10-day tour to Delhi, he carried his side to an easy win over the UAE in Tuesday’s warm-up match with an unbeaten half-century. Even the opposition coach was impressed.
“He is a talented player,” said Aaqib Javed, the UAE coach. “Once he is out there he doesn’t look to anyone else, he takes the responsibility on himself and shows the captain’s role in the team.”
Gauchan, a spin bowler for Nepal, was invited to train with the Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals this year.
It seems only a matter of time before Khadka’s merits are recognised in similarly gilded quarters, but the man himself has other things on his mind, at present.
“We want to make it to a World Cup – as simple as that,” Khadka said.
“We really don’t care who goes where and what individual players do. Players need to perform. If they do well, they will get recognition.
“As a team, we just want to play at a World Cup. That is our main aim.”
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Results
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Race card
5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m
6.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,400m
6.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 1,200m
7.50pm: Longines Stakes – Conditions (TB) Dh120,00 (D) 1,900m
8.25pm: Zabeel Trophy – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (T) 1,600m
9pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 2,410m
9.35pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 2,000m
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Install an air filter in your home.
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Shower or bath after being outside.
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Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
2020 Oscars winners: in numbers
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Hunger and Fury: The Crisis of Democracy in the Balkans
Jasmin Mujanović, Hurst Publishers
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
Result:
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2. Anna Gorbacheva (RUS) atop Curt 13 - 31.82 seconds
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) atop Cash Up - 32.81 seconds
4. Sheikha Latifa bint Ahmed Al Maktoum (UAE) atop Peanuts de Beaufour - 35.85 seconds
5. Miriam Schneider (GER) atop Benur du Romet - 37.53 seconds
6. Annika Sande (NOR) atop For Cash 2 - 31.42 seconds (4 penalties)
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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The specs
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
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RACE CARD
4pm Al Bastakiya – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
4.35pm Dubai City Of Gold – Group 2 (TB) $228,000 (Turf) 2,410m
5.10pm Mahab Al Shimaal – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,200m
5.45pm Burj Nahaar – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m
6.20pm Jebel Hatta – Group 1 (TB) $260,000 (T) 1,800m
6.55pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (TB) $390,000 (D) 2,000m
7.30pm Nad Al Sheba – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (T) 1,200m
Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
