CONNECTOR.AE 52 CONNECTOR.AE 53 LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE Connector In Conversation With Keziah Miriam Sabin: Dubai-Born Indian Cricketer In The UAE Women’s Cricket Team Few people get to play their favourite sports while representing a national cricket team, and for Keziah, this became a reality. Keziah Miriam Sabin’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance and the unwavering support of family in realising one’s dream in sports. Keziah, a Dubai-born Keralite who has overcome societal norms and personal hurdles to achieve her dream, is now a rising star in the UAE women’s cricket team. Keziah’s journey is not just about cricket though; it’s a tale of cultural pride, ambition and breaking barriers—a story that resonates deeply with young sports-lovers, particularly with young women. Connector spoke with Keziah to learn more about her inspirations behind her journey as well as the battles. Keziah also shares a message to young women pursuing a career in sports. Why Cricket? Keziah’s story begins in Dubai, where she was born, but it was in the lush landscapes of Kerala that her love for sports took root. Growing up in Trivandrum, she was surrounded by a family that cherished cricket. Her father, a passionate cricketer in his college days, became her first coach and inspiration. “My father introducedme to cricket when I was 14” she recalls. “From the very beginning, I was captivated by the game. It wasn’t just a sport…it was a way of life.” While cricket is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, it wasn’t always easy for a young girl to find her place in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Yet, Keziah’s family, particularly her father and uncles, played a crucial role in nurturing her passion. “They were all passionate cricketers in their college days. Today, I feel incredibly grateful and fortunate to be able to play cricket at an international level, representing the sport they all loved so dearly”. Keziah started out her cricket journey by playing for the Kerala’s under-19 women’s team and soon started participating in state-level and nationallevel games, while also managing to complete her schooling. A Dream Takes Flight Keziah’s journey to professional cricket wasn’t without its challenges though. Like many young athletes, she faced setbacks that tested her resolve. After being dropped from the Kerala under-19 women’s team, she found herself at a crossroads. “It was a tough phase” she admits, “I felt mentally down and uncertain about my future in cricket.” Even though her exclusion wasn’t due to her playing skills, being left out of the team that had shaped her growth was a tough blow. It left her questioning her future in cricket and battling selfdoubt, unsure of what lay ahead. “From the very beginning, I was captivated by the game. It wasn’t just a sport…it was a way of life.”
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