Imran Haider, the former UAE leg-spinner, has officially announced his retirement from professional cricket, expressing his desire to contribute to the sport in a new role as a coach.
The 36-year-old cricketer, who has spent the past two years in Pakistan honing his coaching skills, hopes to one day return to the Emirates to support UAE cricket from the sidelines.
Haider, who played 31 limited-overs internationals for the UAE and participated in numerous first-class matches in the now-defunct Intercontinental Cup, last represented the national team during the troubled 2019 T20 World Cup Qualifier held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Since then, his career has been marked by both the highs of notable performances and the lows of a significant corruption scandal that affected UAE cricket.
Speaking about his decision to retire from playing, Haider shared his mixed emotions and future aspirations.
“I have been waiting for the call and hoping for a comeback if I could get a chance again for my country, but now I think it is going to be too late,” Haider said. “I am going to remove my playing cap and wear a coaching one instead now.”
Haider’s recent focus has been on coaching at the Azhar Ali Cricket Academy in Lahore, which is run by the former Pakistan Test captain. His experience at the academy has been instrumental in shaping his coaching philosophy.
“Azhar Ali’s academy is one of the best in Lahore so I have been getting good experience. In the future I am looking forward to dropping my CV with the [Emirates Cricket Board],” Haider stated.
He expressed his hope to return to UAE cricket in a coaching capacity, emphasizing his continued support and best wishes for the national team.
During his international career, Haider took 37 wickets in limited-overs formats for the UAE, with his standout moment being a significant wicket of Glenn Maxwell in a T20I against Australia in 2018.
However, his career faced a dramatic turn during the 2019 T20 World Cup Qualifier, marred by a corruption crisis that led to the suspension of six players by the ICC.
This scandal overshadowed the tournament and severely impacted Haider’s career, with the team undergoing a significant overhaul and new players like Karthik Meiyappan being given opportunities.
Reflecting on the crisis, Haider described the period as “shocking” and disorienting for the team. “We did not know what was happening.
Everything just turned in the opposite direction,” he recalled. Despite not being charged or banned, Haider found himself out of favor as the UAE team shifted towards new talent.
Haider’s coaching journey has been inspired by his experiences with former UAE coaches Dougie Brown and Dom Telo. He praised Brown for his dedication and personal approach to coaching.
“Dougie Brown always gave his best to every player and spent time with everyone, which not every coach is willing to do. He was very hard-working and determined, and that is what I want to be like,” Haider said.
He hopes to integrate the lessons learned from both Brown and Telo into his own coaching career, aiming to impart his cricketing knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
As Haider transitions from playing to coaching, he remains hopeful for a potential return to UAE cricket. His commitment to the sport and his desire to contribute positively to its development underscore his passion for cricket.
“If I got a chance with the UAE in the future, that would definitely be my first option. My best wishes are still with the team and UAE cricket,” he added.
With his extensive experience and dedication to coaching, Imran Haider’s next chapter in cricket promises to be one of significant impact.
His journey from player to coach represents a valuable asset for UAE cricket, and his aspirations to return to the Emirates reflect his ongoing commitment to the sport he loves.