Striking a Balance: A Journey in Academia and Cricket at MDX Dubai

When it comes to sport, Middlesex University Dubai is proud to be one of the most awarded universities in the region, regularly securing golds in inter-university and external events across the board. 

Not content with just competing for their institution, a significant number of students also go on to compete professionally for either their home country or even the UAE. 

Of the 11 different sports offered via the university, one sport holds a special place in many student’s hearts: cricket. 

Alumna Kavisha Egodage and current second-year student Zawar Taskeen exemplify dedication and ambition as representatives of Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai. While focusing on their respective academic pursuits, they are both also deeply passionate about cricket.

Fielding Success

Kavisha, who graduated in 2023 with a degree in Computer Systems Engineering, made her debut for the UAE women’s team aged just 11. She said: “Facing older, more experienced players pushed me to raise my game quickly, and every challenge fuelled my desire to keep improving. It was during those early years that I truly fell in love with cricket.” 

Zawar, a BA Honours Business Management (Finance) student who joined in September 2023, quickly made his mark at the university winning the premier division trophy in his first year.

He has already created countless memorable moments on the field and credits much of his growth and progress as a player and a leader to the “supportive environment” that is instilled at MDX Dubai. 

The Path to Professional 

For Kavisha it was a no brainer where she would choose to study: “I needed a university that understood the demands of a professional athlete while allowing me to pursue my studies without compromise. 

“MDX Dubai’s support system, flexible schedules, and understanding faculty made it the ideal choice. The university has a strong reputation for supporting student-athletes, which was crucial for my dual ambitions.”

Over the summer Kavisha broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record as the youngest player to score an international fifty. “Breaking Sachin’s record was surreal. He’s a legend of the game, so to achieve something that put me in the same conversation is an incredible honour.”

Zawar’s summer was also successful; he participated in competitive trials that led to him being scouted for the Ghani Institute of Cricket in Pakistan: “It was a relief to know that the coaches were happy to take me on the team. I’m so pleased I had the opportunity to showcase my skills alongside some of the best cricketers in the UAE. The MDX team has pushed me to be better.”

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, both players have set ambitious goals for their cricket careers and academic pursuits. Zawar said: “I aim to play at the highest level in cricket and can’t wait to represent my university while winning more trophies in the upcoming years. 

“Academically, I’m focused on building a successful career alongside my cricket ambitions.”

Kavisha said: “My immediate goal is to continue representing the UAE at the highest level and help grow the women’s game in the country. I want to contribute to the development of younger players and help the team qualify for major international tournaments like the World Cup. 

“Beyond cricket, I aim to use my education from MDX Dubai to pursue a career in the current job market while in touch with sports. I’m passionate about contributing to the growth of women’s cricket, both on and off the field.”

Zawar spoke of the community he has found at the university: “The facilities and faculty here are immensely experienced and friendly. 

“Coaches like Sasha, Slavko, Farhan, and my cricket coaches, Rizwan and Rehan, have all played pivotal roles in my development as an athlete.

“MDX Dubai truly offers the complete university experience, blending academia and athletics seamlessly. It has also given me a group of friends and coaches that I can call family.”

Kavisha parted with words of advice to the next generation: “Education provides a solid foundation that will benefit you beyond your sporting career, and having a well-rounded life helps you stay grounded as an athlete. 

“Never stop believing in yourself. There will be challenges, but with perseverance and dedication, you can achieve your dreams.”

Together, Kavisha and Zawar embody the spirit of resilience and ambition that defines MDX Dubai’s student-athletes, setting the stage for bright futures both on and off the field.