Lalchand Rajput steps down as UAE head coach, replacement announced

Lalchand Rajput steps down as UAE head coach, replacement announced

Ahmed Raza Appointed UAE Men’s Cricket Head Coach After Lalchand Rajput Steps Down

The UAE men’s cricket team is entering a new chapter after Lalchand Rajput stepped down as head coach. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the change in an official announcement on Friday, November 6, naming former UAE captain Ahmed Raza as his successor.

Rajput’s departure closes a notable period for the national side. During his tenure, the UAE reached important milestones, including qualification for the Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while also recording a series victory over Bangladesh. Those achievements strengthened the team’s profile and offered valuable experience against higher-ranked international opposition.

Raza now takes charge with a deep connection to UAE cricket—as a former international player, captain and coach. His appointment brings leadership continuity, while also giving the team a new voice as it looks to build on recent progress and pursue further success.

Rajput Reflects on a Rewarding UAE Coaching Tenure

In his farewell statement, Rajput thanked the ECB, team management, players and support staff for their cooperation throughout his time in the role. He described the experience as rewarding and said he would remember the relationships and memories developed during his tenure.

“My stint as UAE Men’s Head Coach was very rewarding and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the team. I sincerely thank the Emirates Cricket Board, the management, players and support staff for their cooperation, trust and support throughout my tenure,” Rajput said.

His departure comes after a period in which the UAE made progress on the international stage. Qualifying for major tournaments is especially significant for an associate cricket nation, as it provides players with opportunities to test themselves against a wider range of opponents and gain experience in high-pressure conditions.

The team’s series win against Bangladesh also demonstrated its capacity to compete beyond tournament qualification. Such results can help build confidence within a squad and raise expectations among supporters. The challenge for the next coach will be to preserve that momentum while continuing to develop the depth and consistency needed for future campaigns.

Who Is Ahmed Raza? UAE’s New Men’s Head Coach

Ahmed Raza brings substantial experience from both sides of the game. As a left-arm spinner and international cricketer, he represented the UAE in 53 One Day Internationals and 55 T20 Internationals. He also led the national team in 29 ODIs and 27 T20Is, giving him first-hand knowledge of the responsibilities and pressures that come with captaining the country.

That background could prove valuable as Raza begins his new role. Having played for the UAE at international level, he understands the demands on national players, the importance of preparation and the pride associated with representing the country. His time as captain also means he has experience managing team dynamics and making decisions in competitive situations.

After retiring from professional cricket, Raza moved into coaching and built experience across several environments. He worked with the Dubai Capitals in the DP World International League T20 and the Southern Brave in The Hundred. In 2025, he also served as head coach of the Dubai Capitals at the Global Super League.

Raza spent around three years coaching the UAE women’s national team as well. That role broadened his coaching experience beyond the men’s international setup and gave him an opportunity to work with players at different stages of their development. His combination of international playing experience and coaching exposure across domestic and franchise cricket makes him a familiar figure in the UAE game.

Raza Sets Out His Vision for the UAE Team

Raza said he was honoured to receive the appointment and thanked the ECB for its confidence in him. He described the opportunity as the beginning of a new “innings” and noted that his experience as a former national captain had given him a clear understanding of what it means to represent the UAE at the highest level.

“The current team is full of highly skilled and experienced players as well as some exciting youngsters who will take the team forward,” Raza said. “My aim will be to solidify some of the good work done in recent years and build further from there.”

His comments point to a strategy based on continuity rather than a complete reset. The UAE squad contains established players who have helped the side reach major competitions, alongside younger prospects who could become important contributors in the years ahead. Balancing those groups will be central to the team’s development.

What Raza’s Appointment Could Mean for UAE Cricket

For the ECB, appointing a former captain who has already worked within the country’s cricket system offers a degree of familiarity during a leadership transition. Raza knows the structures, players and challenges facing the team, which may help him begin work without an extended adjustment period.

His immediate task will be to assess the squad, clarify roles and maintain performance standards across formats. The UAE will also need to keep strengthening its player pipeline, so that promising youngsters can progress into the senior side while experienced internationals continue to contribute. Consistent performances in bilateral series and qualification events will be important measures of progress.

There will naturally be interest in how Raza’s approach compares with Rajput’s and whether the team can build on its recent achievements. Any prediction about the UAE’s results under a new coach should be treated cautiously: success will depend on preparation, player availability, opposition strength and the team’s ability to perform under pressure. Still, Raza’s familiarity with the national setup and his varied coaching experience give him a strong foundation as he takes on the role.

Rajput leaves behind a record that includes qualification for major tournaments and a landmark series success. Raza inherits a team with international experience, emerging talent and growing expectations. His stated priority is to consolidate the progress already made—and, from there, help the UAE take its next step in international cricket.

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