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SS Lootah prevail

Shoaib Akhtar graces Sprite Cricket Stars final

The SS Lootah Spinners with their winners trophy and cheque. — Supplied photoShoaib

SS Lootah Spinners from Dubai clinched the 2013 Sprite Cricket Stars tournament, beating Al Jaber Blazers in the final played out in front of more than 9000 fans at the Dubai Cricket Stadium.

SS Lootah Spinners were presented with the Sprite Cricket Stars trophy by former Pakistan international cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, who has been an ambassador for the 2013 tournament since its official launch back in May.

This year’s tournament, under the patronage of the Ministry of Labour, and in partnership with Coca-Cola Middle East, saw 16 teams and over 320 players battle it out over five months for the right to be crowned 2013 Sprite Cricket Stars Champions for the UAE.

The inaugural Sprite Cricket Stars tournament first took place in 2011, when the mission was to find the best cricketers in labour accommodations. Such was the success of the tournament that the decision was taken to open the event up to the masses.

Shoaib Akhtar, Sprite Cricket Stars ambassador, comments: “Since coming on board as an ambassador for the Sprite Cricket Stars program, I have been extremely impressed by the standard of cricket on display, and as expected, the Finals did not disappoint. “Aside from uncovering this cricket talent, the Sprite Cricket Stars program has touched the lives of over 150,000 people across the UAE, from labourers to schoolchildren, and I have seen first-hand the unbelievable enthusiasm that this has generated among the communities. Congratulations to SS Lootah Spinners on their deserved victory, and we hope to see them defend their crown for 2014!”

Speaking about the programme, Antoine Tayyar, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Middle East, said: “Firstly, we would like to congratulate our Sprite Cricket Stars Champions for 2013, SS Lootah Spinners, and all of the players and fans who have come together from across the UAE to make this tournament very special.”

Sprite Cricket Stars Champions, SS Lootah Spinners, receive Dh50,000 in prize money, with the runners-up, Al Jaber Blazers, receiving Dh25,000.