The UAE Women’s Cricket Team has etched its name in history by attaining ODI status, a milestone that marks the culmination of years of dedication, dreams, and determination. At the heart of this achievement stands Esha Oza, the dynamic captain whose journey mirrors the rise of women’s cricket in the Emirates.
A Dream Realised: The Significance of ODI Status:
For Esha Oza, leading her team to ODI status is nothing short of a lifelong ambition fulfilled. The pride in her voice is unmistakable as she describes the magnitude of the accomplishment. This historic leap is not just a personal triumph but a collective reward for the relentless efforts of every player who has donned the UAE jersey.
“It’s a great achievement. I think over the years, that’s something we’ve always looked to do. Play ODI cricket. Play 50-over cricket. And I mean, finally getting there, it’s taken years of hard work. But yeah, really, really happy that we’ve reached here now.”
From Humble Beginnings, the team’s journey since 2009:
The roots of this achievement stretch back over a decade. Oza recalls the early days of UAE women’s cricket, a time when the idea of international representation was still taking shape. The United Arab Emirates success graph is on the upward rise at the international level, with a significant growth in terms of competitiveness, especially in the last few years. The Esha Oza-led side is having an impressive win percentage of around 61% in the T20I format, signifying their rapid development.
“Actually, the journey started in 2009 when the women’s cricket team actually played the first international tournament. I didn’t play back then. I was like, what, eight, nine years old? But yeah, I mean, back then, that’s when it started. That’s when people actually had the dream of representing the country as a women’s team.” She was quick to acknowledge the foundation laid by the past players. “Those past years, I mean, all the efforts put in by all the players over the years. That’s what got this result here today now.” The journey from those formative years to 2025’s landmark moment is a testament to the perseverance and vision of everyone involved.
She sees a bright future with many young players poised to step up. “If you see around so many girls playing the sport and playing it well, it’s not just that they’ve just come there just to enjoy the game. They actually prove that they’re good enough to even, like, maybe in a few years, represent the national team. And hopefully at ODI cricket as well.”
Unity in Diversity: The Multicultural Bond of the Squad:
One of the UAE team’s greatest strengths is its rich diversity, bringing together players from varied backgrounds who all call the Emirates home. Oza reflects on the unique camaraderie this creates. She also speaks about enjoying every moment we share as a unit on the field. This unity has forged a resilient, passionate team ready to take on the world
Facilities and Support: The Emirates Cricket Board’s Role in the Team’s Growth
Behind every successful team is a strong support system. Oza was quick to credit the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and coaching staff for their unwavering backing, “I think everyone at the Emirates Cricket Board, I mean, giving us so many opportunities to play so many games, that’s been like a great boost for us. We’ve gotten to play so many more T20 internationals and international games.”
She also praised the coaching staff for always pushing them to do better, and it has reflected in their performances in the last two years, emerging as a force to be reckoned with. The Emirates Cricket Board’s investment in facilities and match exposure has been instrumental in preparing the team for international challenges.
Ready for the 50-over Challenge:
The UAE skipper Esha Oza also emphasized on the challenges of the ODI format, being on the field for long hours, testing the fitness of each and every individual on the field, even in terms of their skillsets. However, despite all that, she’s confident about her team’s preparedness for the 50-over format. With a blend of experience and youthful energy, the UAE squad is eager to prove themselves on the global stage.
Inspiring the Next Generation: Oza’s Message to the Young Girls
As the UAE embarks on its ODI journey, the skipper Esha Oza has a clear message for the aspiring cricketers. “Just come out, start playing cricket. This is the right time to play cricket, as I’ve always said, and I mean, now is the best time, we’re gonna get much more match time, then we’ve gotten before, T20s plus One Day Internationals, that means we get much more exposure, much more international games, and yeah, just pick up the bat and ball, start playing the game, and hopefully, see you here soon.”
Her words are a rallying cry for the next wave of talent to dream big and seize the opportunities now available in UAE women’s cricket. With ODI status secured, the UAE Women’s Cricket Team stands at the threshold of a new era-one built on hard work, unity, and ambition. Under Esha Oza’s inspiring leadership, the team is not just making history; they’re laying the foundation for a vibrant, inclusive, and successful future for women’s cricket in the Emirates.
(Quotes sourced from a video posted by Emirates Cricket on X)
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