An online livestream that attracts, at its peak, around 1,000 viewers might not exactly represent the big time.
But for Mohammed Wasim, the airtime afforded by the Emirates D10 has finally allowed for a little belated recognition.
All the powerful opening batsman is hoping for is that the right people are watching.
This tournament was organised, at short notice, to provide a platform for the country’s leading cricketers to show their skills.
Robin Singh, the UAE coach, is still holed up in India because of the travel restrictions, but is said to be tuning in, as is anyone else with a say on national team selection.
Wasim could scarcely have done much more to impress so far. After seven matches in the tournament, he had made 282 runs – six more than Vriitya Aravind at the top of the runscorer charts.
Now, the 26-year-old from Pakistan feels he is within touching distance of a first call-up to the UAE team – whenever it is they take the field next.
“When I was a boy, obviously it was my dream to play for Pakistan,” Wasim said.
“I prayed for that chance. I tried for it, but then I moved here and focused on playing for UAE.
“Here, there are amazing facilities for cricket. It is not a big country and I have been noticed for my cricket, not like in Pakistan.
“Since I have been in UAE, many people have supported me. I have scored a lot of centuries in domestic cricket, and people have taken notice of it.
“My main focus is solely to play for UAE and do well. That is my first aim.”
Wasim must feel like his chance to star on the small screen is long overdue.
He had been part of the Maratha Arabians squad which won the Abu Dhabi T10 league in front of a packed house at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, and with a vast TV audience last year.
That meant rubbing shoulders with the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Lasith Malinga and Dwayne Bravo, while he even earned a word of praise from Andy Flower, the side’s coach.
And yet he did not actually make it onto the field at any point, given the excellence of the other UAE-based player, Shiraz Ahmed, in that tournament.
“I didn’t get a game because Shiraz was doing so well, but Andy Flower complemented me,” Wasim said.
“That gave me a lot of confidence. He really encouraged me, and told me I was a good fielder, but did not get a chance because Shiraz was bowling so well.
“But the team was doing well, so it was fine. Even after I trained with Maratha Arabians, I had lots of confidence, and my game improved.”
For now, he is contenting himself with bruising bowling attacks while playing for Fujairah Pacific Ventures in the D10, much to the appreciation of his colleagues.
“Wasim never worries about his own score,” Khaleel Goltay, the team’s manager, said.
“He always fights for the team. He only cares about winning, not his score. He has a very good heart.”
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Essentials
The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes.
The activities: A half-day Silfra snorkelling trip costs 14,990 Icelandic kronur (Dh544) with Dive.is. Inside the Volcano also takes half a day and costs 42,000 kronur (Dh1,524). The Jokulsarlon small-boat cruise lasts about an hour and costs 9,800 kronur (Dh356). Into the Glacier costs 19,500 kronur (Dh708). It lasts three to four hours.
The tours: It’s often better to book a tailor-made trip through a specialist operator. UK-based Discover the World offers seven nights, self-driving, across the island from £892 (Dh4,505) per person. This includes three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Husafell near Into the Glacier, two nights at Hotel Ranga and two nights at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur. It includes car rental, plus an iPad with itinerary and tourist information pre-loaded onto it, while activities can be booked as optional extras. More information inspiredbyiceland.com
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
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What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
