Young Goan cricketer shining in the UAE

 


What does it mean to be a cricketer from the most picturesque state of Goa? Sounds quite fascinating isn’t it. Today, I’m here to throw a spotlight on one of the most talented and youngest cricketers -  Aayan Afzal Khan, aged 19, hailing from Margao, who currently plays for the UAE national cricket team.

As one of the top players to record a four-wicket haul in just 16 runs for the UAE squad in the T20 World Cup, Aayan has become a symbol of nation’s bright future in cricket.

Aayan’s love for cricket had very humble origins. In his early childhood days, he developed an interest watching his father play on the cricket grounds of their neighborhood. Recognizing his interest in the sport, his father gifted him with a plastic bat and ball. Coincidentally, Afzal – Aayan’s father too was a state-level cricket player in Goa but had to give up when he came to UAE to seek greener pastures. Little wonder that Aayan would have taken up after his father as love for cricket must be in their genes.

At the age of 5, Aayan’s father enrolled him in the Desert Cubs – an academy fostering a young generation of cricketers. Aayan’s dedication soon bore fruit – not only did he excel in his training sessions, but he even earned a place on his school cricket team, eventually becoming the team’s captain. Under his leadership, the team represented the school in every inter-school match, and his talent was so widely recognized that he also became the face of the school calendar.

His stints with the academy further turned him into a great spinner. As he continued playing at the Under-16 level, and later graduated to club cricket, Aayan began scoring big runs for the Sharjah Fujairah Pacific Gymkhana. In early 2022, he was also named the ‘Player of the Match’ in UAEs combat against West Indies at the Under-19 World Cup. Just two weeks ago, Aayan made a stunning spell of 4/16 including eight wickets against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the ILT20 Season 3.

As UAE Goans, when our eyes fall on the local newspapers and see Aayan’s achievements splash across the headlines almost every month, our hearts dance for joy to celebrate proud moments of such a young sportsman making it big.

 

 

 

 


Comments

Anonymous said…
Outstandingly written 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Feeling so proud to see a young goan shining like a bright star
Great Applause 👏🏻👏🏻
CathyA said…
Thanks Bryce .. wonderful to hear one of our Goans is on the UAE cricket team. Way to go Aayan! Great article Bryce!

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