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UAE Star Ahmed Raza Takes Helm As Dubai Capitals Coach For Global Super League

Soumyajit Dutta

Ahmed Raza was a former UAE captain [Source: @aryystrocratiks/X.com]Ahmed Raza was a former UAE captain [Source: @aryystrocratiks/X.com]

Former UAE captain and spinner Ahmed Raza will lead DP World ILT20 champions Dubai Capitals as head coach in the Global Super League invitational tournament starting Thursday in Guyana. Raza, 36, transitioned to coaching after retiring in 2023 and was part of the Capitals' technical staff during their maiden ILT20 title win in February.

Ahmed Raza Grateful For The Coaching Opportunity

Having retired from playing at 34, Ahmed Raza is now fully immersed in coaching. He serves as head coach of the UAE women’s national team and has gained experience with Dubai Capitals and Team Abu Dhabi in the Abu Dhabi T10 over the past two seasons. He now relishes guiding the franchise overseas.

“The experience of being part of the technical staff with both Dubai Capitals and Team Abu Dhabi has been invaluable. And now heading the team to the GSL is definitely a bigger role and obviously a great feeling. My gratitude towards the GMR Group for trusting my ability and giving me this opportunity to lead in a newer franchise tournament,” Raza told The National on Wednesday.

The former left-arm spinner, who represented the UAE in 51 ODIs, 54 T20Is, and 20 first-class games over 17 years, takes pride in this global opportunity.

“It’s a franchise [Capitals] with a rich history in cricket. To represent as a head coach in a global tournament is unheard of for someone who is a full product of the UAE. I mean, you've probably never had a UAE-born coach going global. I'm not only representing the Capitals, I'm representing our own home brand... So, to be able to represent the country and represent us on the global stage, I am full of gratitude for the opportunity,” Raza added.

Raza Comments On His Scouting Activities

Raza has actively scouted local talent for the Capitals, playing a key role in recruiting UAE internationals Rahul Chopra and Haider Ali.

“Scouting local talents was my primary role for the Capitals. I have worked with them both, Rahul and Haider, closely and it’s very pleasing to see them going on to international cricket and doing well for the country," Raza added. 

The Capitals open the tournament against New Zealand’s Super Smash champions, Central Stags, on Thursday at Providence Stadium. The GSL features five franchise league winners, Dubai Capitals (ILT20), Central Stags (Super Smash), Hobart Hurricanes (BBL), Guyana Amazon Warriors (CPL), and Rangpur Riders (BPL).

Speaking of the tough battle ahead, Raza said that all the teams in the tournament are champions of their respective leagues, making it a hard-fought competition. Hence, every game is important for the league.