Qatar captain Rizlan Iqbar
Doha: New captain Rizlan Iqbar wants to take one step at a time as he aims to improve Qatar’s standing in international cricket.
The 36-year-old’s first task after being named the national team captain recently is to lead Qatar in the second round of the Challenge League Group A – qualification pathway for the 2023 ICC World Cup (ODI) in India.
After the first round, Qatar are on third in the points table, led by Canada with Singapore occupying the second spot.
Denmark, Malaysia and Vanuatu are the other teams in Group A. The third round will be played in Malaysia in December, with only the group’s winning side sealing the qualifying spot.
The second round is scheduled to be held in Toronto, Canada from July 24 to August 7.
“Our preparations are on track and we are confident of a successful campaign in Canada,” Rizlan told The Peninsula in an interview.
“We are working hard for the event in our training sessions and focusing on all aspects of the game. Our team is a blend of young talent and experience, and we are definitely looking to top the group,” the seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman said.
Rizlan praised the role of coach Asadullah Khan – a former Afghan cricketer – in Qatar’s preparations for the upcoming competition.
“Our coach, who joined six months ago, has changed atmosphere of the team. He was one of the cricketers who brought Afghan cricket in the limelight and we are benefiting from his vast experience,” he said.
Rizlan, also the Galfar Cricket Club captain, is representing Qatar since 2010 and was named vice captain in 2016 before being promoted by the Qatar Cricket Association as skipper. The Sri Lanka-born stressed Qatar has huge potential in cricket, saying he will give his best to help the national team improve in all formats of the game.
“It’s an honour to lead the Qatar national team and I am very excited to take up the new challenge. We have a very good group of hardworking youngsters and I am very much optimistic about Qatar’s future in international cricket,” he said.
Rizlan said his first major target as captain is to lead Qatar – ranked 23rd in T20 International Rankings – to One Day International (ODI) status.
“My first target is to guide team to a successful campaign for 2023 World Cup Qualifiers. We have already got the Twenty20 International status and now our next main goal is to achieve the ODI status, and a successful campaign at the qualifiers will be a huge boost for us,” said Rizlan, who has featured in 26 T20Is.
He added Qatar cricket is making significant progress under QCA President Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saoud Al Thani.
“The QCA president is taking keen interest in cricket’s promotion in Qatar. QCA becoming Full Member of the Asian Cricket Council is one of his achievements. I want to thank the president for giving us all-out support. I am also grateful to Galfar Al Misnad Executive Director, Satish G. Pillai for his support over the years,” said Rizlan.
QCA’s status was upgraded as a Full Member (Non-Test Playing) from Associate Member following Asian Cricket Council’s Annual General Meeting in Colombo in March.
