Gulf Giants rope in CP Rizwan as batting coach ahead of ILT20 2026

Gulf Giants have appointed former UAE cricketer CP Rizwan as assistant batting coach ahead of the fifth edition of the DP World ILT20, scheduled to be played from 21 November to 20 December 2026.

Rizwan was part of the Giants’ title-winning squad in 2023 and transitioned into coaching after retiring from international cricket. He recently led the franchise’s development team to victory in the ILT20 Development Tournament, building on the efforts of assistant coach Nael and the wider coaching staff.

At Gulf Giants, Rizwan will work with batting coach Michael Klinger, Head Coach Simon Helmot and the other coaching staff to prepare the batting unit for the new season.

Speaking on his appointment, Rizwan acknowledged the role of Gulf Giants in his cricketing career and expressed excitement at joining the side as a batting coach after winning the championship with them as a player.

“The Gulf Giants have been an important part of my cricketing journey, first as a player and now as a coach. Winning the inaugural DP World 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,” Rizwan said in a media release.

CP Rizwan understands our ambition: Simon Helmot

Gulf Giants head coach Simon Helmot called Rizwan a valuable addition to the team’s support staff, given his wealth of valuable international experience and a long association with the side in various capacities.

“CP (Rizwan) 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,” Helmot said in a media release.

Rizwan represented the UAE in 42 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 18 T20 Internationals (T20Is), scoring 1,271 runs across the two formats, including an ODI century.