A cricketer with the golden arm to give touches to Abu Dhabi T10 as Technical Director

By K.R. Nayar

Mudassar Nazar, with his immense knowledge of the game as an outstanding allrounder and a renowned coach, will oversee the technical aspects of the Abu Dhabi T10 as its Technical Director. This legend who has contributed to the game in various roles can boost the smooth conduct of this tournament commencing from January 28.

Mudassar Nazar 

Pakistan’s legendary cricketer and renowned coach Mudassar Nazar who earned the title ‘cricketer with the golden arm’ will give touches to the fourth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 as its Technical Director. He carries with him enormous experience as an outstanding top-order batsman as well as a bowler who knew how to unsettle any batsman. After his cricketing days, he took to coaching and groomed many youngsters not only in Pakistan but in other parts of the world too.

This legendary cricketer, son of the Pakistan great Nazar Mohammad, has seen cricket from a very young age and is well aware of the various aspects of the game and what is needed to make it exciting. Soon after taking charge as Technical Director, he said: “We are in the entertainment business, whether it was 100 years ago or now. If the audience is not entertained, then we don't move an inch. Any cricket fan who is in love with the game will love to watch any format, and this is a very exciting format.”

Shaji Ul Mulk, chairman of Abu Dhabi T10, who visualized this format and believes in entertaining spectators through this format, said: “Being one of the greats of the game, Mudassar will have a lot of valuable insights to share with us, which will be a big boost for the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament.”

This partnership between Shaji Ul Mulk and Mudassar is gearing up to launch many innovative methods to attract fans in a big way. “We are absolutely delighted to have Mudassar Nazar on board as the Technical Director. We are looking forward to a wonderful working relationship with him,” added Shaji Ul Mulk

Mudassar has the capability to do wonders with his inputs since he has played many roles in his career. He was coach of the Kenyan national side in 2005, and then became the Director of the Nairobi Cricket Academy before taking over as Director of Pakistan's National Cricket Academy. He was also the Head Coach of ICC’s Global Cricket Academy in Dubai and the UAE national cricket team’s batting consultant for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.

During one of my interactions with Mudassar Nazar in 2009 in Dubai, he had said. “I took up cricket from the age of four. My father (Nazar Mohammad) was the coach of the Pakistan national team and I was always holding a cricket bat or fetching the ball for the older kids. So age is not the factor at all in cricket."

Another time, while addressing an event for college students, he had remarked: “Everyone should consider themselves lucky to be able to play in inter-school and inter-university tournaments. It is important to use these opportunities to build up a strong career in the game as well as to enhance one's character as a player."

Mudassar was well-known for his ability to stay on at the wicket and pile up runs.  He played in 76 Test matches and scored 4114 runs, and from 122 One Day Internationals had scored 2653 runs. During his career, he hit ten Test centuries with his highest score being 231 against India at the Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad in Pakistan, during the 1982-83  series.

Very few are likely to remember that he is the first batsman in the history of Test cricket to be out for 199. In 1984, during the Faisalabad Test, Shivlal Yadav got Mudassar caught behind by Syed Kirmani when he was one short of his double century. Mudassar has also bagged 66 Test wickets and 111 wickets in One Day Internationals.

Talking about the T10 format, he said: “If I was still playing, I would have surely tried this format. I would have trained hard and probably changed my approach to the game. It is so fascinating to see players who are so good in the four and five-day formats change their game and skills and try and outperform others in this event."

International stars like West Indies' Chris Gayle and Andre Russell and Pakistan's Shahid Afridi will be arriving in Abu Dhabi in the next few days to train for their respective franchises.  The eight franchises are defending champions Maratha Arabians, Team Abu Dhabi, Bangla Tigers, Deccan Gladiators, Qalandars, Delhi Bulls, Northern Warriors, and Pune Devils.