UAE ODI captain steps down; New captain announced

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has got a new ODI captain after one of the legendary players Muhammad Waseem stepped down from the leadership role. 

Between 2023 and 2024, Muhammad Waseem led the UAE team in 26 ODI matches. Under his leadership, UAE won seven ODIs and lost 19 ODIs. 

My best wishes are with the new captain: Muhammad Waseem

Before their upcoming round of the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, the 30-year-old Waseem decided to step down from the ODI captaincy role. However, he will continue his international cricket journey.  

Waseem said on Friday, "I have decided to step down as captain to concentrate on my batting in the ODI format. My best wishes are with the new captain, I will be giving him my full support."

UAE's leading run-scorer in international cricket: Muhammad Wasim

Waseem is the leading run-scorer (3459 runs) for UAE in international cricket. The UAE’s leading T20I run-scorer (2136 runs) is also the third-most ODI run-scorer (1323 runs) for his national team. In his ODI career, Waseem has recorded one century and six half-centuries.

UAE are currently in the eighth or last position in the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 with only two points. In seven matches in this competition, the UAE won once and lost six fixtures. 

In early November, the UAE will participate in the next round of the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. Oman will host this ODI tri-series round from November 1, where the UAE and Netherlands will participate. 

Rahul Chopra is the new UAE ODI captain

Wicketkeeper-batter Rahul Chopra will lead the UAE ODI team in the upcoming round of the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 in Oman. Making his international cricket debut this year, the 29-year-old has scored 139 runs in seven ODIs and 71 runs in six T20Is. 

In the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 latest points table, Canada are leading with 16 points, while the United States and the Netherlands have earned 12 points each, and Namibia have secured 10 points. Scotland, Oman, and Nepal are in the next three positions before the last-placed UAE with nine, six, and three points, respectively.

At the end of the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, the top four teams will directly qualify for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, while the last four teams will go to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off.