Chaya Mughal, a stalwart of UAE women’s cricket, is set to bid farewell to her illustrious international career, leaving a lasting legacy as she hands over the captain’s armband to Esha Oza. Mughal’s retirement, effective after her final match against Namibia on Tuesday, marks the end of an extraordinary journey that has seen her not only excel on the cricket field but also serve as a dedicated teacher.
During her tenure as captain, Mughal masterminded a remarkable ascent in the UAE women’s cricket landscape. Under her leadership, the team achieved a record-equalling streak of triumphs in T20 international cricket, propelling them up the rankings. This remarkable feat was achieved while she juggled her responsibilities as a teacher, bringing a unique blend of classroom wisdom and cricketing acumen to the field.
As Chaya Mughal bids adieu to her bowling spikes, she will assume a new role as the Emirates Cricket Board’s women’s development officer, ensuring that her expertise continues to shape the future of UAE cricket. Her final hurrah will be in the opening match of a six-game T20 international series against Namibia in Dubai, where she will pass the torch to Esha Oza, the ICC women’s associate cricketer of the year for 2022.
Reflecting on her journey, Mughal expressed gratitude to her teammates, coaches, and the ECB for their unwavering support. She acknowledged the team’s growth and success, particularly their dominant performances in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Malaysia.
Mubashshir Usmani, the ECB’s general secretary, hailed Mughal as an “inspiration” to cricketers in the UAE and praised her substantial contributions as both a player and leader. He expressed confidence in her ability to continue making significant contributions to the development of women’s cricket in the UAE.
As Chaya Mughal takes her leave from the field, her indelible mark on UAE women’s cricket remains, and the baton now passes to Esha Oza, who is poised to lead the team into a new era of excellence. Mughal’s dedication and leadership have set the stage for the emergence of the next generation of women cricketing stars in the UAE.
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