Former UAE captain Rizwan appointed assistant batting coach of Gulf Giants for ILT20 fifth season

Former UAE captain CP Rizwan has been named assistant batting coach of the Gulf Giants for the fifth edition of the ILT20 League, a role he described as a great honour.

The 38-year-old, who led the UAE at the 2022 T20 World Cup, will join the coaching staff alongside batting coach Michael Klinger and head coach Simon Helmot for the upcoming season of the UAE’s T20 league.

Rizwan, now retired from playing, remains active in the sport as a coach.

Rizwan expresses pride in new role

Speaking to the Khaleej Times on 20 October, Rizwan said: “It’s a great honour to be part of the Gulf Giants’ coaching staff at a premier event like the ILT20. Considering that I played international cricket for an ICC Associate Member, the UAE, rather than a Full Member, this is a really proud moment in my cricket journey.”

The Kerala-born former cricketer was part of the Gulf Giants squad that won the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2023. He noted the team’s importance in his career: “The Gulf Giants have been an important part of my cricketing journey, first as a player and now as a coach. Winning the inaugural DP World ILT20 title in 2023 and then leading the development team to a championship has made this association even more special.”

Rizwan added: “I thank Adani Sportsline (team owners) and the Giants for this opportunity and look forward to working with Simon, Michael and the rest of the staff as we prepare for the season.”

During his playing career, Rizwan featured in 42 ODIs and 18 T20Is. He made headlines in 2021 with a match-winning century against Ireland, a Test-playing nation, in the 50-over format.

Helmot welcomes experienced addition

Head coach Simon Helmot said Rizwan’s experience would strengthen the dressing room, which includes stars such as Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

“CP knows the team well and brings valuable international experience and a sound understanding of UAE cricket,” Helmot said. “Having played for the Giants and worked with the development side, he understands our ambitions. He will be a valuable addition to the coaching group as we prepare for the new season.”

Fifth edition to start in November

The fifth edition of the ILT20 League begins on 21 November, with the final scheduled for 20 December. The Gulf Giants won the inaugural title in 2023, followed by MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals in the next two seasons. Desert Vipers enter the new season as defending champions. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriors have yet to win the trophy.

Top international players confirmed for the season include Finn Allen, David Miller, Babar Azam, Heinrich Klaasen, Naseem Shah, Sunil Narine, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, Romario Shepherd and Sikandar Raza. Matches will be held at three venues: Dubai International Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.