Home to some of the biggest international competitive tournaments — to say nothing of the diverse diaspora of adoring fans — the UAE is an increasingly important nation on the world cricket stage. David East is the CEO of the Emirates Cricket Board. A former wicket-keeper for Essex, East has overseen rapid developments and helped maintain world-class infrastructure that has allowed the UAE to play host to events such as the Indian Premier League and Pakistan Super League. East talked to The National's Chitrabhanu Kadalayil about the role cricket plays in the UAE and what developments are planned for ensuring the future of the sport. More 10@10: <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/podcasts/10-10-podcast-media-in-the-uae-with-noura-al-kaabi-1.722196">On the media</a> | <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/education/10-10-podcast-education-in-the-uae-with-mark-leppard-1.722614">Education</a> | <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/health/10-10-podcast-healthcare-in-the-uae-with-dr-shamsheer-vayalil-1.722952">Healthcare</a> | <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/10-10-podcast-the-uae-arts-scene-with-sultan-sooud-al-qassemi-1.723285">The arts scene</a> <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/10-10-the-nationals-anniversary-podcast/id1372540491?MT=2">Follow the series and download episodes for free on Apple Podcasts</a>. <strong>_____________</strong> <strong>Read more of our 10-year anniversary coverage here:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/special-report-chronicling-10-years-of-change-in-the-uae-1.722193">SPECIAL REPORT: C</a></strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/special-report-chronicling-10-years-of-change-in-the-uae-1.722193"><strong>hronicling 10 years of change in the UAE</strong></a> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel/time-travel-and-transformation-1.722165">Time travel and transformation</a></strong>