Lalchand Rajput steps down as UAE head coach, replacement announced

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

The UAE men’s cricket team is beginning a new chapter after Lalchand Rajput stepped down as head coach. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed former UAE captain Ahmed Raza to take charge, confirming the change in an official announcement on Friday, November 6.

Rajput’s departure closes a significant period for UAE cricket. During his tenure, the national side 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. The new appointment brings a familiar figure into the role: Raza has represented the UAE on the field and built coaching experience across men’s and women’s cricket.

Lalchand Rajput Reflects on His UAE Coaching Tenure

In a farewell statement, Rajput thanked the ECB, team management, players and support staff for their cooperation throughout his time with the national side. He described the experience as rewarding and said he would treasure the relationships and memories formed during his tenure.

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

His departure comes after a period in which the UAE made progress on the international stage. Qualification for major tournaments can provide more than a place in the competition: it gives players exposure to stronger opposition, helps raise the team’s profile and offers valuable experience under pressure. The series win against Bangladesh also demonstrated the UAE’s ability to compete against an established cricketing nation.

For the ECB, the challenge now is to preserve that momentum while preparing the squad for its next cycle of international fixtures. The transition from one head coach to another will involve balancing continuity with fresh ideas, particularly as the team blends experienced internationals with younger players seeking regular opportunities.

Who Is Ahmed Raza?

Raza brings extensive knowledge of UAE cricket to the position. As a player, he represented the men’s national team in 53 One Day Internationals and 55 T20 Internationals. He also led the side in 29 ODIs and 27 T20Is, giving him first-hand experience of the responsibilities involved in captaining the UAE at international level.

That background could prove valuable as he takes on the head coach role. A former captain is familiar with the pressures players face during selection, preparation and competition, as well as the importance of communication between the dressing room and team management. Raza’s understanding of the national setup may also help him identify where the squad needs support as it develops.

Since retiring from professional cricket, the 38-year-old has built a varied coaching résumé. His experience includes work with Dubai Capitals in the DP World International League T20 and Southern Brave in The Hundred. He also served for around three years as coach of the UAE women’s national team. In 2025, he was head coach of Dubai Capitals at the Global Super League.

These roles have exposed Raza to different formats, team environments and coaching demands. Franchise competitions, for example, often require coaches to bring together players from varied backgrounds and help them adapt quickly. International cricket presents a different challenge, with longer-term planning, player development and national representation at its core. Raza’s experience across both settings gives him a broad foundation for the job.

Raza’s Vision for the UAE Men’s Team

Raza said he was honoured to be selected and thanked the ECB for the opportunity. He also pointed to his experience as a former national captain, saying he understood what it means to represent the UAE at the highest level.

His stated priority is to build on the progress made in recent years rather than start from scratch. Raza described the current squad as a combination of skilled, experienced players and promising young talent, and said his aim would be to consolidate the team’s existing strengths while helping it move forward.

That approach suggests a focus on continuity alongside development. Maintaining a settled core can help a team retain confidence and consistency, while introducing emerging players gradually can strengthen competition for places. The balance will be important as the UAE looks to turn qualification achievements into sustained performances across formats.

Raza’s appointment also presents an opportunity to connect the national team’s past and future. His experience as a UAE captain gives him insight into the country’s cricketing culture, while his coaching work has allowed him to develop skills beyond his playing career. How effectively he combines those perspectives will be one of the key storylines to follow in the months ahead.

What Comes Next for UAE Cricket?

The immediate focus will be on establishing the new coaching structure and preparing the squad for upcoming international commitments. The ECB and Raza will need to assess the team’s strengths, identify areas for improvement and ensure that players have clear roles. Preparation, selection and consistency will all shape whether the UAE can build on its recent milestones.

Any prediction about the team’s next results should be made cautiously. A change in leadership can bring renewed energy, but progress ultimately depends on performances, player availability and the quality of preparation. Raza’s familiarity with the national setup may ease the transition, while his varied coaching experience could offer new perspectives on team strategy and player development.

For UAE supporters, the appointment marks both continuity and change. Rajput leaves after guiding the side through notable achievements, and Raza steps in with a strong connection to the national team and a growing coaching record. The next phase will test whether the UAE can convert its recent progress into consistent competitiveness on the international stage.