Osama Hassan Shah has emerged as a leading force in the realm of Emirati cricket coaching. As the dedicated coach of Al Ain Cricket Club, he is widely recognized for his fervent commitment to developing young talent and building a strong foundation rooted in discipline, technique, and sportsmanship. Drawing from his professional cricket experience, Osama delivers tactical expertise and real-world insight to each training session, guiding the next generation with purpose and structure. His approach fuses a deep technical understanding—such as honing skills like the front foot defence—with the recognition that mental tenacity is critical for advancement in the sport. Osama’s mission extends beyond skill-building; he is driven to mentor and educate, weaving cultural awareness and a profound love for cricket into every aspect of his coaching. Below, we present our in-depth interview with Coach Osama Hassan Shah for SPORTS&GULF MAGAZINE.
Can you share the pivotal moments from your professional cricketing career that have most shaped your philosophy as a coach at Al Ain Club?
There are several key moments from my professional career that have shaped who I am as a coach today. One of the most pivotal was captaining a side under pressure during a regional tournament—we were underdogs, but through discipline, belief, and unity, we reached the final. That taught me the power of mindset and leadership, something I now try to instill in every player. Another moment was when I suffered a long-term injury—it forced me to observe the game differently and appreciate the mental and emotional strength it takes to return. These experiences taught me that talent alone is never enough; character, work ethic, and resilience define greatness, and that’s the core of my coaching philosophy at Al Ain Cricket Club.
What motivated you to transition from playing professionally to coaching, and how has your experience as a player influenced your approach with young cricketers?
The transition to coaching was organic. I’ve always had a natural tendency to guide and support teammates, especially younger ones. What truly motivated me was the realization that I could contribute even more off the field than on it, especially in a growing cricketing nation like the UAE. My playing experience gives me credibility and a deeper understanding of what young cricketers face—be it performance pressure, managing setbacks, or learning game awareness. I coach with empathy, because I’ve walked that path myself. I always try to strike a balance between pushing players and protecting their love for the game.
These experiences taught me that talent alone is never enough; character, work ethic, and resilience define greatness, and that’s the core of my coaching philosophy at Al Ain Cricket Club.
Coaching the Fast Bowling Action
Al Ain Club is known for nurturing national cricket talent. What strategies do you use to inspire and develop the next generation of cricket stars?
At Al Ain Cricket Club, we focus on three pillars: discipline, consistency, and game intelligence. We don’t just train players to hit a ball—we teach them to think like cricketers. We use performance tracking, video analysis, and structured goal setting to help players see their progress and areas to grow. Off the field, we emphasize leadership, teamwork, and responsibility. I often invite senior national players to interact with the squad, so the boys see what’s possible. Most importantly, I focus on individual attention—every player has a unique journey, and understanding that helps them grow more holistically.
How do you incorporate cultural values and traditions into your training sessions, and why do you believe it’s important for players to stay connected to their roots?
Cricket in the UAE is diverse, and many of our players come from different backgrounds. I try to make our sessions a place where respect, humility, and brotherhood are central. We encourage players to support each other regardless of where they come from, and we celebrate cultural festivals, traditions, and values within the team. For example, during Ramadan, we adjust training to support those fasting, and I often remind the boys that discipline in life translates to discipline in sport. Staying connected to one’s roots grounds a player—it gives them identity and purpose, both of which are critical on and off the field.
Staying connected to one’s roots grounds a player—it gives them identity and purpose, both of which are critical on and off the field.
Catching the Ball using Mitt during fielding drills
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the club and your players, and how do you envision the future of cricket in the UAE shaped by homegrown talent?
My dream is to see players from Al Ain Cricket Club represent the UAE at the highest levels and be known for their integrity, discipline, and skill. I want to build a legacy system—where one generation lifts the next. We’re investing in structured junior programs, mental conditioning, and competitive exposure for our players. As the UAE becomes more prominent on the international stage, homegrown talent must take center stage. That requires us to not only train athletes but to build leaders. I believe the future of UAE cricket lies in a blend of professional infrastructure and strong grassroots commitment—and we at Al Ain Cricket Club are proud to be part of that mission.
Coach Osama Hassan Shah’s story is a testament to the value of blending technical expertise with heartfelt mentorship. His work continues to shape the future of UAE cricket, inspiring both current players and the stars of tomorrow.
Interview Team M.2
