Ajman Titans’s colourful and joyful first practice session

 By K.R. Nayar

Ajman Titans have landed — and they’ve arrived with a thunder that signals their intent. The air at the Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium crackled with excitement as they sharpened their skills for the Abu Dhabi T10 battle under the watchful and seasoned eyes of their legendary Head Coach, Mickey Arthur. The master tactician, who once sculpted South Africa’s dominance, engineered Pakistan’s 2017 ICC Champions Trophy triumph, and guided Australia and Sri Lanka with equal mastery, delivered a spirited pep talk to the team. Skipper Moeen Ali stood beside him as the players absorbed every word on how to prepare for a tournament where every second and every stroke counts.

 

Ajman Titans coach Mickey Arthur at the first practice session with skipper Moeen Ali. Photo by K.R. Nayar  

Their journey to the ground for practice was no less dramatic. The team bus, wrapped in vibrant Ajman Titans colours and adorned with striking portraits of their star players, rolled out from the Abu Dhabi Golf Course Vogo Hotel like a royal chariot. The luxury coach, glowing with purple pride, seemed to glide to the stadium carrying an army ready for conquest. As the players stepped out, each picked up their purple kit bags — matching their jerseys — and walked towards the practice arena with purpose. Purple, the colour of titans and the favourite shade of Alexander the Great, fittingly draped this team of modern-day warriors.

 

The colourful Ajman Titans team bus.  

The session itself wasn’t about intensity but about chemistry — players catching up after months apart, laughing about when they last met, and newcomers sharing first-hand introductions. UAE stars Asif Khan and Haider Ali, fresh from eye-catching international performances, mingled easily with the seasoned limited-over champions. Alishan Sharafu, currently leading the UAE squad in the Asia Cup Rising Stars in Doha, is set to join the Titans soon, adding more fire to this spirited unit.

 

The team bus displaying the squad

At the centre of it all stood skipper Moeen Ali — steady, warm, and inspiring. Born in Birmingham, with his grandfather having migrated from Mirpur in Pakistan, Moeen effortlessly switched between Urdu and Punjabi, creating an easy, familiar atmosphere for players from across the region. A cricketer from the heart and soul, admired for his humility and simplicity, he carries the distinction of being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2022 — proudly reflected in the name Moeen Munir Ali OBE. Known affectionately as “the beard that’s feared,” Moeen blends calmness with fierce competitiveness, embodying both serenity and steel.

 

UAE's Haider Ali and Asif Khan at the practice session 

“I am delighted to be captaining Ajman Titans in this fastest format of cricket. We have a team strong enough to try and win the title,” said Ali, the elegant left-handed batter and precise right-arm off-spinner, his words echoing confidence and quiet fire.

 

David East, CEO of Ajman Titans with  Gopal Jasapara, Operations  Manager 

David East, the former CEO of the Emirates Cricket Board is the CEO of the Ajman Titans team. He said: “We have got a good combination during the auction. Our coach Mickey Arthur is delighted with the players that he could get and hopes to transform into a winning combination.”

 

Former Indian Test star Piyush Chawla in action 

Gopal Jasapara, the Operations Manager feels the team is bubbling with energy. Talking about the team, he said: “A team has to gel well to win matches. This squad is a fine team that is bubbling with energy and enthusiasm. Teams that have these qualities always win matches and hopefully Ajman Titans will emerge triumphant.”

 

Moeen Ali with yours sincerely 

The team went off to sleep on arrival at the hotel. They are to wake up early for their first practice match against UAE Bulls at the Tolerance Ground of the Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium.

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