Five cricketers from the UAE become citizens through naturalisation.

In a significant milestone for cricket in the UAE, five players – Khuzaima Tanveer, Ajay Kumar, Akshdeep Nath, Harpreet Bhatia and Adeeb Usmani – have become the first cricketers to be granted UAE citizenship through naturalisation. They are part of the 17-member team that is now in Nepal for two T20Is and an ODI tri-series.

Football, rugby, and judo have had players who got UAE citizenship after a presidential order in 2018. But cricket in the UAE has mostly been played by expatriates who meet the ICC’s eligibility requirements by living in the country for three years. These five cricketers can now play for the UAE because they are citizens of the country and have a passport.Kumar told The National, “From the day I landed in the UAE, it was my dream to represent the country at the international level.” “Now I have this chance, and it’s all owing to the UAE and the support personnel. Playing cricket at the domestic and club levels has definitely benefited me. “They have been really good to us. The management has been there for us the whole time. I want to thank the board and everyone else in the cricket community. “I’m really excited to represent this country and do well for them.”

Khuzaima stated he was “thankful” for the chance to play for the UAE.For any player, getting the chance to represent their country is a sensation like no other.I think you’re the lucky one because the country is trusting you and giving you this chance. I have played domestic cricket in the UAE for the past three years and the last two seasons of ILT20 and Abu Dhabi T10.Playing with people from other countries has been a lot of fun. I may now play for the UAE. I really appreciate the cooperation from the Emirates Cricket Board.