UAE Qualify for T20 World Cup; Coach Rajput Delighted
<p><strong>Coach Lalchand Rajput Elated as UAE Secures T20 World Cup Qualification</strong></p><p>Dubai: UAE head coach Lalchand Rajput expressed immense satisfaction after leading the national cricket team to qualification for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, achieving a major milestone since taking over the role in February last year. The qualification marks a significant step forward in UAE cricket, reflecting the team’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.</p><p>“This was my main goal when I took up the coaching role,” Rajput stated. “First came the Asia Cup, and then the T20 World Cup qualification. Now, our focus shifts to performing well at the World Cup itself.”</p><p>The UAE clinched their spot in the elite tournament with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Japan in the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, held in Al Amerat, Oman. This win secured UAE’s place as the third team to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup, joining Nepal and Oman, who had earlier booked their spots.</p><p>While Rajput was thrilled with the qualification, he admitted that the team had aimed for top position in the group stage. “It’s a great feeling. We came here to qualify, but we also wanted to finish number one given the quality of cricket we’ve played over the past few months,” he said. “The first two games were nail-biters — we lost to Nepal by just one run, and another match went down to the final over. Despite that, securing our World Cup berth is a huge achievement.”</p><p><strong>Balanced Squad Key to Success</strong><br>Rajput credited the team’s balanced composition for its success. “Any team with a healthy mix of seniors and juniors is at an advantage. The younger players push the seniors, and having fresh legs in the side is a big plus. We had a great blend this time, and I believe that really helped the team gel well.”</p><p>The UAE squad demonstrated resilience and strategic adaptability throughout the qualifiers. Solid performances across batting, bowling, and fielding ensured that the team maintained momentum even in tight matches. Rajput highlighted that this depth in the squad is a significant factor for sustained success in international tournaments.</p><p><strong>Looking Ahead: World Cup Preparation</strong><br>With the T20 World Cup set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2026, preparations are already underway. Rajput emphasized the importance of tailoring strategies once group placements are announced. “Our strategy will be clear once we know which group we’re in — whether we’ll be in the Indian or Sri Lankan half. We’re particularly focusing on strengthening our middle order and adding more all-rounders, which will be crucial.”</p><p><strong>ILT20 Exposure Boosts Player Confidence</strong><br>The UAE head coach also highlighted the role of the ILT20 league in preparing players for high-level competition. “ILT20 is a massive platform for our players. It gives them the chance to share the dressing room with international stars, learn from them, and gain invaluable experience,” he said. “That kind of exposure builds confidence, which they can carry into the World Cup.”</p><p>Rajput also outlined the team’s upcoming schedule, which includes the 50-over League 2 matches in Dubai, followed by additional T20 fixtures leading up to the World Cup in February. This carefully planned sequence of competitive matches is aimed at providing players with match readiness and tactical sharpness.</p><p><strong>A Historic Achievement for UAE Cricket</strong><br>Securing qualification for the T20 World Cup represents a historic achievement for UAE cricket. It underscores the progress the national team has made under Rajput’s leadership and the growing prominence of cricket in the region. The team’s success is also a testament to the dedication of the players, coaching staff, and the wider cricketing community in the Emirates.</p><p>As UAE sets its sights on the World Cup stage, Rajput remains focused on continuous improvement and high-performance standards. “Our ultimate aim is not just to participate but to make a significant impact at the World Cup. With the right preparation, team cohesion, and exposure, I believe we can compete with the best teams in the world,” he concluded.</p><p>The UAE cricket team now enters an exciting phase of preparation, with expectations high and momentum on their side as they gear up for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.</p>