Back in 2008 at a cricket ground in Malaysia, Khurram Khan pondered his latest success with the UAE national team and how it would affect his future.
The UAE had been led to believe that reaching the final of the ACC Trophy in Kuala Lumpur had qualified them to play at the Asia Cup two years later.
That did not actually come to pass as the organisers of the continent’s premier one-day international tournament decided they would only open their doors to Test nations.
It was the competition’s loss. This man’s talents should be advertised on the most visible platform available.
The fact that he has plied his trade beyond the mainstream for the past 13 years means the world has missed out on a gem.
But, back in 2008, Khurram was certain he would not make it through two more years anyway.
He said he “definitely” would not be in UAE the side in 2010, by which time he would be 39, on account of the fact he would be “too old”.
For all his merits as one of the outstanding cricketers beyond the Test world, Khurram is a diabolical soothsayer. Six years on, he is better than he has ever been.
The Emirates Airline flight purser hates being reminded of that prediction – not least because he makes him feel his age.
What about next year? There is one more year between now and playing at the World Cup, the one thing he has craved his whole career.
It seems inconceivable the UAE would enter the competition without their greatest-ever player, even though he will be 43 by then. But the man himself is taking nothing for granted.
“To be honest, I don’t even know what is going to happen tomorrow,” Khurram said.
“At my age, you never know what is going to happen. It is up to the management, whatever they want.
“This is something special. I have just been trying to do whatever I can.
“What the players have been doing has been awesome. UAE cricket has been turned upside down, having an attack with all fast bowlers and them bringing rewards. They have put their hearts into it.”
Aaqib Javed, the UAE coach, echoed the view that the world has missed out on seeing a fine player while Khurram has been operating in international cricket’s margins with the UAE.
The former Pakistan Test player said his captain would definitely have played for Pakistan had he not moved to Dubai to work.
“I think he is too good for this standard,” Aaqib said of Khurram. “I am 100 per cent sure he could have played for Pakistan with his talent.
“He missed out on the Pakistan team, but we are going to use him for at least two or three more years.
“He is made of gold – I think he is platinum now.”
pradley@thenational.ae
