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 introduced me 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 national-level games, while also managing to complete her schooling.
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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 self-doubt, unsure of what lay ahead.
But fate had other plans. A call from UAE women’s team head coach and Emirati cricketer, Mr. Ahmed Raza, inviting her to join the national camp changed everything. “It came as a complete surprise,” she says. “We had sent him some videos of my batting, and fortunately, my connection to the UAE, having been born there, made the transition smoother”. This unexpected opportunity marked a fresh start for Keziah, who soon found herself representing the UAE on the international stage. It is inspiring how, despite facing doubt and uncertainty, Keziah found encouragement from her family, friends and teammates to explore new avenues for growth, an unwavering resilience that continues to reward her today.
A defining moment was her debut match at the Tri-Nation Series between Namibia, Zimbabwe and the UAE, where her team became the champions of the tournament. “Winning the tournament was surreal,” she says, “It was a validation of all the hard work and sacrifices I had made”. Speaking about her experience playing for the UAE team, she says “representing the UAE has boosted my confidence not only as a cricketer, but also as a person. It pushes me to work harder, stay focused and strive to be the match-winner for my team. Nothing beats the feeling of playing for your country and competing at the international level”.
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Inspirations And Role Models
Keziah is currently doing her personal practice with Raiphi Vincent Gomez who played Indian Premier League cricket and also the mentor to Sanju Samson, another famous cricketer. Apart from these two stars, she also finds great inspiration in the journey of Indian cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal. “His rise from hardship to achieving his dreams through sheer dedication and love for the game motivates me deeply. His story reminds me that no matter the challenges, hard work and perseverance will always lead the way. It’s a constant source of motivation for me, pushing me to keep striving, no matter the obstacles”, she says.
Keziah is also inspired by her fellow teammates and their unique skills and strengths, and also reiterates the importance of an immediate family member who believes in their children’s dream and passion. “My biggest inspiration will always be my father, both in cricket and in life. The way he has guided me, with his wisdom and patience, has shaped who I am today”, she added.
Challenging Perceptions
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport, Keziah is acutely aware of the challenges female athletes face. Keziah had to confront questions from many quarters regarding her choices, particularly regarding whether cricket is an appropriate path for young women. “One thing I wish would change is the perception that women are less competitive than men”, she says. “We train just as hard, sacrifice just as much and are equally committed to pushing our limits. Women athletes deserve the same respect and support as male athletes”.
Keziah's determination to challenge stereotypes and pave the way for future generations is evident in every word she speaks. “It’s time to recognise that women in cricket are just as qualified and deserving of the spotlight”, she asserts. In a world where women are typically not encouraged to fight against setbacks in life or in career as much as men, Keziah’s story of resilience reminds us that sports is not just about entertainment for the spectators but also, more critically, about the way one responds to life itself.
Inspiring The Young Talents
Keziah’s story is particularly inspiring for young girls who dream of pursuing sports professionally. She believes that sports have the power to empower and transform lives. “Playing sports builds character, teaches discipline and instils valuable life lessons”, she says.
Keziah wants to remind the young sports-enthusiasts that “one of the biggest lessons sports teaches is how to handle failures. It prepares you to face life’s challenges with resilience and determination, making you more equipped to navigate hardships both on and off the field.” To parents who may hesitate to encourage their children to pursue sports, Keziah has a clear message, “It’s possible to make a living while doing something you love. For children, sports is an exciting avenue and an opportunity to grow and achieve their dreams.”
Keziah has been lucky enough to get her family’s support and encouragement to pursue her dreams, but she wants to encourage parents with talented children to recognise their skills and help them develop through actively seeking out avenues that can enable their growth and competitiveness.
As Keziah prepares for future competitions and matches where she hopes to shine, she also wants to inspire young women who are prone to putting off their dreams for another day. In Keziah, we see not just a talented cricketer, but also an embodiment of a positive wind of change, someone who is redefining what it means to be a young woman in sports. We are looking forward to seeing her phenomenal journey in the coming years.