Home to numerous international competitive tournaments — to say nothing of the diverse diaspora of adoring fans — the UAE is an emerging nation on the world cricket stage.

David East is the CEO of the Emirates Cricket Board. A former wicket-keeper for Essex, East has overseen rapid developments and helped maintain world-class infrastructure that has allowed the UAE to play host to events such as the Indian Premier League and Pakistan Super League. 

East talked to The National's Chitrabhanu Kadalayil about the role cricket plays in the UAE and what developments are planned for ensuring the future of the sport.

Music for this episode: [Nctrnm](http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Nctrnm/), [Broke for Free](http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/)