Gulf Giants name CP Rizwan assistant batting coach for ILT20 2026
Synopsis
CP Rizwan — who helped the Gulf Giants win the inaugural ILT20 title in 2023 as a player — has now been appointed their assistant batting coach for the fifth edition of the tournament. The move is a rare full-circle story in franchise cricket: from title-winning player to development-team champion coach to senior staff in just three years.
Key Takeaways
Gulf Giants have appointed CP Rizwan as Assistant Batting Coach for ILT20 2026 .
The fifth edition of the ILT20 is scheduled from 21 November to 20 December 2026 .
Rizwan was part of the Giants' inaugural title-winning squad in 2023 before moving into coaching.
He recently led the ILT20 Development Tournament champions — the Giants' development team.
Rizwan joins Batting Coach Michael Klinger and Head Coach Simon Helmot in the senior coaching setup.
He represented the UAE in 42 ODIs and 18 T20Is , scoring 1,271 runs including an ODI century .
The Adani Sportsline-owned Gulf Giants have appointed former United Arab Emirates (UAE) international cricketer CP Rizwan as their Assistant Batting Coach ahead of the fifth edition of the International League T20 (ILT20), scheduled to run from 21 November to 20 December 2026. The move reunites Rizwan with the franchise he helped win a title in 2023, this time in a coaching capacity.
From Title-Winner to Coaching Staff
Rizwan was a member of the Giants' inaugural ILT20 title-winning squad in 2023 before transitioning into coaching following his retirement from international cricket. Most recently, he guided the franchise's development team to victory in the ILT20 Development Tournament, working alongside assistant coach Nael and the broader support staff.
His elevation to the senior coaching group places him alongside Batting Coach Michael Klinger and Head Coach Simon Helmot, with the combined unit tasked with preparing the Giants' batting lineup for the upcoming season.
What Rizwan Said
Speaking on his appointment, Rizwan said, 'The Gulf Giants have been an important part of my cricketing journey, first as a player and now as a coach. Winning the inaugural ILT20 title in 2023 and then leading the development team to a championship has made this association even more special. I thank Adani Sportsline and the Giants for this opportunity and look forward to working with Simon, Michael and the rest of the staff as we prepare for the season.'
Head Coach's Reaction
Head Coach Simon Helmot welcomed the addition, saying, 'CP knows the team well and brings valuable international experience and a sound understanding of UAE cricket. Having played for the Giants and worked with the development side, he understands our ambitions. He will be a valuable addition to the coaching group as we prepare for the new season.'
Rizwan's Playing Career
During his international career, CP Rizwan represented the UAE in 42 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 18 T20 Internationals, amassing 1,271 runs across both formats, which included an ODI century. His appointment is also seen as part of Adani Sportsline's broader stated commitment to creating pathways for former players to remain engaged in the sport at the professional level.
With the ILT20's fifth season set to begin next month, the Giants' coaching structure is now largely in place as the franchise looks to recapture the form that brought them their 2023 title.
Point of View
Using the Giants as a vehicle to develop UAE cricket's coaching talent also serves a soft-power purpose in the Emirates, where cricket remains a growth market. The real test will come on the field in November.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is CP Rizwan and why has he been appointed by the Gulf Giants?
CP Rizwan is a former UAE international cricketer who represented the country in 42 ODIs and 18 T20Is, scoring 1,271 runs. The Gulf Giants have appointed him as Assistant Batting Coach for ILT20 2026, building on his role as head of the franchise's development team, which he led to the ILT20 Development Tournament title.
When does ILT20 2026 begin and who owns the Gulf Giants?
The fifth edition of the International League T20 (ILT20) runs from 21 November to 20 December 2026. The Gulf Giants are owned by Adani Sportsline.
Who else is part of the Gulf Giants' coaching staff for ILT20 2026?
CP Rizwan joins Batting Coach Michael Klinger and Head Coach Simon Helmot as part of the Giants' senior coaching setup for the upcoming season.
What is CP Rizwan's connection to the Gulf Giants as a player?
Rizwan was a member of the Gulf Giants' squad that won the inaugural ILT20 title in 2023. After retiring from international cricket, he transitioned into coaching and most recently guided the franchise's development team to victory in the ILT20 Development Tournament.
What does this appointment mean for UAE cricket?
The move reflects Adani Sportsline's stated focus on creating pathways for former players to continue contributing to the sport professionally. It is seen as an effort to embed UAE cricket knowledge within the Giants' coaching structure ahead of the new ILT20 season.
