Throughout the tournament, Kuwaiti players spoke about their experiences and the opportunity to work with renowned international cricketers.
Mohamed Aslam, Sharjah Warriorz’s Kuwait cricket team captain, said: “It is a great opportunity to represent Sharjah Warriorz at the DP World ILT20 and we are gaining a lot of experience in the dressing room.
As captain of the Kuwait national team, I share the locker room with leaders like Tim Southey and Sikandar Raza. I got a lot of information from them and learned a lot by asking questions. As a junior cricketer, this is a very good opportunity. “I hope we can apply all of this to Kuwait and do our best,” he said.
Mohammed Shafeeq became the first player from Kuwait or Saudi Arabia to feature in a DP World ILT20 match in MI Emirates’ match against Dubai Capitals. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “The support from the coaching staff was great because it was a completely different feeling for us. The coaches were always watching us and giving us technical advice, which will help us in the future.”
It’s a huge moment for me to be part of this team and play alongside players like Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Jonny Bairstow. All of them are top players and operate at different levels. They are considering us every game and that means a lot to me.”
Dubai Capitals’ Anudeep Chenthamara said, “I would like to thank the Kuwait Cricket Board and DP World ILT20 for giving me this opportunity. This is a big deal for me and the whole team. I have gained a lot of experience and learning here. We have worked with experienced players and coaches. I have been able to do a lot of things from the basics to higher levels. For example, I have changed the basis of my preparation.”
Gulf Giants’ Meet Bhavsar, who played 73 T20Is for Kuwait, echoed these sentiments and said: “It was a great experience to share a dressing room with the superstars of modern cricket. Facing a player like Tabraiz Shamsi in the nets was really difficult and helped me immensely. I will try to share as much as I can with the rest of the Kuwait team and am grateful for the opportunity to be here.”
Bilal Tahir, representing Season 4 champions Desert Vipers, said: “We are learning a lot every day. We have a very good coach, a great environment and the teaching style helps us a lot to improve. Playing with these stars is a dream for us because they are legends and we learn a lot from them. Fakhar Zaman in the nets the other day told me some ways to improve. I am very grateful to the Desert Vipers for giving us this opportunity.”
Adnan Idrees, who secured the services of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, said: “It’s a really good experience and I’m really enjoying my time here. Learning from legends is always a blessing and I feel that sharing the dressing room with players like Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone will improve my game a lot.”
“I continue to receive advice from them on how to focus on my game and I have already learned a lot. They are gems as people and as cricketers and I am excited to share the dressing room with them. I feel blessed to be a part of DP World ILT20 and hope more players get the opportunity to come here.”
