Spain have named their squad for the ICC Sub-Regional qualifiers in Belgium when they will compete in Group C against Malta, Israel and Portugal. The top two teams then cross over to play semi finals against either Denmark, Belgium, Hungary or Israel. The two winning semi-finalists will then play for the one spot to advance to the next stage of the competition.
The 14 man squad include Spanish passport holders Daniel Doyle Calle and Josh Trembearth Moro. Cataluyna provide seven players including regulars Awais Ahmed, Raja Adeel, Hamza Dar, Yasir Ali and Zulqarnain Haider. Newcomers Muhammad Kamran and Muhammad Atif complete the Cataluyna contingent.
The East Coast and Central League will be represented by Christian Munoz Mills and Ravi Panchal. Former La Manga player Charlie Rumistrzewicz, who is on a cricket scholarship at Worksop College and Almeria based Atif Mehmood are the others with ECCL connections.
(Zulqarnain Haider in Spanish colours – Photo D. Oros)
Lorne Burns is the sole representative from the Costa Del Sol region on the playing staff, but Sameer Nayak will be in attendance as the assitant coach, and Alastair Priddle will also accompany the squad in a strength and conditioning role.
Coach Corey Rutgers, who is leading the squad said, “Extremely excited to bring this young energetic squad to the ICC qualifiers in Belgium. After a successful tri-series last month it will be a great opportunity to get the team together again and play 5 international t20I’s vs good opposition. It’s a very well balanced side, plenty of options, and I know the players and coaching staff can’t wait to get started. Also a big thank you to the ICC and Management for helping arrange all the logistics. Vamos Espana !”
