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Summer indoor cricket tournament launched

The competition, held in association with Dubai Cricket Council (DCC) between this Thursday and July 9^th, shall be played on a league-cum-knockout basis under specially designed, indoor cricket playing conditions for the state-of-the-art complex.

“A unique tournament such as this will really show off the cricketing skills available locally,” said former Pakistan all-rounder Mudassar Nazar, who now acts as the ICC GCA head coach.

“Our outstanding indoor facility provides a great location for the best teams to be able to play throughout the summer months.

“We are very happy to tie up with the Dubai Cricket Council and hope we have a long lasting and fruitful partnership.”

The rules for the tournament have been drawn up by ex New Zealand international cricketer Dayle Hadlee, who has adapted the playing format to suit the ICC GCA indoor arena of over 1,000 square metres.

“I believe the indoor game is now established the world over as a valid extension of cricket and brings excitement to this format,” he commented.

“I am convinced that this is going to be an excellent event for everyone involved.” Mohamed Lokhandwala, the DCC’s honorary secretary, added: “The DCC is delighted to build on our partnership with the ICC GCA and would like to thank them for their support to us in conducting some of our tournaments at this excellent facility.

“We are happy to partner ICC Global Cricket Academy to offer both existing and new teams a chance to participate in what promises to be an excellent Summer Indoor Cricket Tournament.

“DCC is committed towards the development and growth of the game in Dubai and this tournament at this fantastic facility adds to the quality of cricket being played in the emirate.”

The 12-team league contest is to be played in the air-conditioned, floodlit indoor facility at the academy.

The winning side will receive Dh 4,000, plus a trophy, while the runners-up prize is Dh 2,000 and a trophy.

“It is a first of its kind tournament to be played in Dubai and fits ideally with Dubai Sports City’s vision of being the hub of sporting activity in the emirate,” stated Maqbul Dudhia, general manager of sports business at Dubai Sports City.

The 12 teams have been drawn into two groups as follows: Group A: Danube, Petromann, Badmash Company, Emicool Eagles, World Memon Org. and Desert King Waterproof. Group B: Screen Check Googly, HP, X Men United, Amigo Shadow, Dubai Pearl and Weekend Warriors.

The attendees at the launch conference were: Dayle Hadlee, Mudassar Nazar and Ekta Hutton (all of ICC GCA), Mohammed Lokhandwala, Shiva G Pagarani, Farrukh Siddiqui, Gopal Jaspara and Shoeb Mulijiani (all of DCC) and Rajeshree Iyer (of Dubai Sports City).

Each team will play five matches in the league phases. The top two in each group shall play the semi-finals as follows: A1 vs B2, A2 vs B1. If a game is tied, then both sides will play one over each, with two batsmen facing six balls apiece as a tie-breaker. There will be two points for a win, none for a loss and – if more than one outfit is tied on the same points in qualifying for the semi-finals – their respective net run rates shall be the decisive factor as to who progresses through.