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Lalchand Rajput has stepped down as the head coach of the UAE men's cricket team. In place of Rajput, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed the former men's cricket team captain and women's national cricket team coach, Ahmed Raza. ECB has confirmed the developments through an official press release on Friday, November 6.
The departure of Lalchand Rajput marks the end of a chapter in UAE cricket. Under his guidance, the team achieved significant milestones, including qualifying for the Asia Cup, the ICC T20 World Cup, and securing a series win against Bangladesh.
Lalchand Rajput thanked the UAE cricket board in his farewell statement
While stepping down from his job, Lalchand Rajput shared a heartfelt note to thank the entire Emirates Cricket Board, with whom he worked closely to develop the national cricket team.
"My stint as UAE Men’s Head Coach was very rewarding and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the team. I sincerely thank the Emirates Cricket Board, the management, players and support staff for their cooperation, trust and support throughout my tenure. It has been a rewarding experience, and I will always cherish the relationships and memories built during this journey," Rajput said in his statement.
Who is Ahmed Raza, the successor of Lalchand Rajput?
The cricket board has selected the team's former captain Ahmed Raza as the successor to Lalchand Rajput. Raza has vast experience both as a player and as a coach. As a player, he represented the UAE men's cricket team in 53 ODIs and 55 T20Is. Among these matches, he captained UAE in 29 ODIs and 27 T20Is.
After retiring from professional cricket, he gained significant experience as a coach. Within a limited amount of time, the 38-year-old has gathered valuable coaching experience through his stints with the DP World International League T20 franchise Dubai Capitals and the Hundred franchise Southern Brave. For about three years, he served UAE's Women's National Cricket Team as a coach. Additionally, he was also Dubai Capitals’ head coach at the Global Super League in the 2025 season.
Ahmed Raza makes his aim clear as UAE head coach
He expressed his gratitude to the cricket board as they have appointed him as the men's national cricket team head coach. After taking over the job, Ahmed Raza in his official statement mentioned that his aim will be to take the team forward, by solidifying the good works which has been done in the recent times. Raza is hopeful about the team, as there are multiple talented players
"I am honoured to have been chosen for this exciting role and look forward to beginning my new innings. I want to thank the ECB for granting me this opportunity. As a former national captain, I fully understand what it means to represent the UAE at the highest level," said Ahmed Raza.
“The current team is full of highly skilled and experienced players as well as some exciting youngsters who will take the team forward. My aim will be to solidify some of the good work done in recent years and build further from there," he added.
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