Mr Cricket UAE digital platform launched with a peek into the past and a focus on the future

By K.R. Nayar 

It was an evening when passion for cricket soared to extraordinary heights, sweeping a packed gathering into its spell. Rarely does the UAE witness eight celebrated international cricketers — men who have etched their names into the history of the game — sharing the same stage outside the context of a tournament announcement. That rarity made the moment special, and the occasion truly unique. This was not just a launch; it was the birth of a dream nurtured by a cricket enthusiast.

 

Anis Sajan with the legendary cricketers 

On Wednesday evening, amid the elegance of the Taj Exotica in Dubai, the cricketing fraternity and media assembled to unveil the UAE’s cricket-driven digital media platform, a visionary initiative conceived by Vice Chairman of the Danube Group, Anis Sajan, known as Mr Cricket UAE. The platform, aptly titled Mr Cricket UAE, promises to deliver world-class cricket content and compelling storytelling to fans across the globe.

 

Anis Sajan announces the launch in the presence of  Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, JP Duminy, Fakhar Zaman, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, and Khurram Khan

With the spotlight firmly on the stage and the applause echoing across the hall, Sajan addressed a sea of cricket lovers, flanked by an illustrious panel that included Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, JP Duminy, Fakhar Zaman, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, and Khurram Khan. His words reflected both emotion and ambition. “Today, Danube Group takes a major leap into a brand-new segment. Mr Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion; it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket. As the UAE becomes a global hub for the sport, this platform will bring world-class cricket content, storytelling, and exclusive access to fans worldwide,” he said, drawing a warm applause.

 

Setting the tone for what lies ahead, Rajsi Swaroop, Head of the Mr Cricket UAE digital platform, outlined the vision for fans. This platform, she explained, will go beyond live match coverage, offering rich narratives through exclusive video interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deeper insights into the lives of cricketers. Sajan expanded on the idea, underlining the UAE’s unique position in the cricketing universe. “The UAE has truly become a home away from home for fans from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, as well as expatriates from England, Australia, South Africa, and beyond. Launching a world-class sports media platform here helps cement the nation’s role not just in hosting the sport, but in shaping how it is consumed globally,” he said.

 

Mike Hussey on the giant screen. 

Adding a special touch to the evening was a heartfelt video message from Australian legend Mike Hussey — the original ‘Mr Cricket’. Appearing on the giant screen, Hussey congratulated Anis Sajan and the team, saying, “Some may remember me as Mr Cricket from a long time ago, with some fond memories. Today, I want to congratulate Anis on the launch of Mr Cricket UAE, the digital page. I know him as a true cricket enthusiast and a lover of the game, and I am confident this platform will be a raging success.”

 

The proud Anis Sajan family 

What was in store for the gathering was not just a look into future plans, but also acknowledging the past by honouring those who played a role in UAE cricket in various capacities. Abdul Rehman Bukhatir, revered as the Father of UAE Cricket, for bringing international cricket to the UAE, was presented with a shawl and a plaque. This was presented to Mazhar Khan, General Manager, Sharjah Cricket, who has been part of UAE cricket’s glorious journey in his role as an administrator with the Emirates Cricket Board and for having represented the UAE in various international bodies like the International Cricket Council and the Asian Cricket Council.

 

Mazhar Khan receives the plaque from Anis Sajan and Dinesh Karthik 

Shaji Ul Mulk, whose contribution began as the head of the Ajman Cricket Council and later led to the visionary concept of T10 cricket — the shortest and most explosive format in the game — was also honoured for his role in transforming the sport.

Shaji Ul Mulk being honoured by Anis Sajan and Fakhar Zaman

A special mention was reserved for CTK Nasir, a man who revived countless cricketing dreams in the UAE. Through the creation of one of the region’s oldest clubs, the Nucaf Tellicherry Cricket Club, Nasir provided hope and opportunity to players who believed their cricketing days had ended after leaving their homelands.

CTK Nasir being honoured by Anis Sajan and JP Duminy 

The function also fondly remembered the late IP Khaitan, the businessman-turned-cricket-enthusiast who sponsored the UAE team’s historic appearance in the 1996 World Cup. His son, Nalin Khaitan — himself a standout performer in domestic cricket for Interface — received the shawl and plaque reflecting the memory of his father.

Nalin Khaitan receives the plaque from Anis Sajan and Adil Rashid 

Former India left-arm spinner and national selector Sunil Joshi, now the coach at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and part of the India Under-19 Asia Cup setup, was also honoured for his contributions to the game.

 

Sunil Joshi being honoured by Anis Sajan and Khurram Khan 

For me, the evening carried a deeply personal note. I was humbled to be recognised for my contribution to UAE cricket as a journalist, having reported 15 World Cups and for being the only journalist to have covered the highest number of matches from a single venue — the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the first ground in the world to host over 300 international matches.

 

Yours sincerely being honoured by Anis Sajan and Angelo Mathews 

The spirit of fandom was celebrated too. Cricket enthusiast Nitin Sharma, winner of the Mr Cricket UAE Ultimate Fan Challenge, not only received his award from Eoin Morgan but also lived a moment every fan dreams of — posing for a once-in-a-lifetime selfie with all the cricketing legends on stage.

 

Nitin Sharma receives his prize from Eoin Morgan and takes a once-in-a lifetime selfie 

A reminder of the UAE’s rich cricketing legacy came with the presence of former captain and consistent match-winner Khurram Khan, who sat proudly among the star players on the podium. His role in guiding the UAE to Asia Cups and ICC World Cups remains etched in memory. During an engaging interaction with the media, Khurram reflected on how the game has evolved in the UAE. “Earlier, cricket was about patience, fitness, and technique, with an emphasis on longer formats. Today, with the rise of T20 and T10, the focus is on quick scoring and immediate impact. Technique doesn’t always get the importance it once did, and that shift in mindset is probably the biggest change in the UAE cricket landscape,” he observed thoughtfully.

 

Question and answer session in progress.

The question-and-answer session that followed was interesting as the responses from the cricketers drew enthusiastic applause. World Cup-winning England captain Eoin Morgan impressed with his clarity and intelligence, while Dinesh Karthik, now a respected analyst and commentator, handled tricky questions with ease and wit. Moeen Ali delivered a powerful message to aspiring cricketers when asked about the importance of developing all-rounders. “Don’t limit yourself too early. Bat, bowl, field — work on every aspect of your game. The more complete you are as a cricketer, the more value you bring to your team,” he advised.

 

The evening concluded on an emphatic note, with Sajan reiterating the vision behind the platform. “Launching a world-class sports media platform here is a step toward cementing the nation’s role not just in hosting cricket, but in shaping how it is experienced by audiences around the world,” he said — a fitting end to a night where passion, legacy, and ambition came together in celebration of the game.