Cash rich street cricket comes to UAE

Sharjah: A high profile gully cricket (street cricket) like never before is set to enthrall the cricket aficionados in the UAE. Petromann, a UAE-based oil and gas company, will host the exciting event that boasts to be the richest ever street cricket competition to be held at the international level offering a total prize money of Dh250,000.

Titled as the Ten Premier League (10PL), the tournament will be held from 29th November to 2nd December under the auspices of the Sharjah Cricket Council and will be played under lights at the popular Sharjah International Stadium, which has entered the Guinness Book of World Records for hosting the high one-day internationals.

To double up the excitement, the man who will be at the center of focus will be none other than former India’s most prolific batsman Virender Sehwag, who is known for his swashbuckling batting. The Indian star will be the brand ambassador giving the spectators an amazing opportunity to catch the super star up and close.

A total of 20 teams that also includes 12 international teams will be taking part. Over 500 cricketers including reputed cricketers who have created a niche in gully cricket will be action in the 47 matches that will be played over four days.

The organisers expect participation of teams like Pacific Ventures (Dubai), Kuwait Raiders (Kuwait), Hannan (Qatar), Alliance (Qatar), Friday Chargers (Abu Dhabi), SKC Goa (India), Albert Developers (India), Kolkatta Angles (India), Eleven Warriors (Dubai), Sab Warriors , Amaco , Al Muzain , Alfalah ( Saudi ).

The tournament is the brain child of Arif Khan, Executive Director of PETROMANN who has understood the nuances of the gully cricket as a popular player himself in the 1990’s in Mumbai.

It was his dream to bring this format to the UAE after having learnt the huge demand. Hence, Petromann tied up with Pacific Ventures for promoting indoor cricket and promoting tennis ball game.

Arif Khan said: “This format is very popular in entire India & middle-east . So we thought we need to bring it to the people of the UAE in a real big way.

“There has never been an event of this magnitude held anywhere in the world with such a huge prize money on offer. We will have top players representing in this tournament and I’m confident the response will be amazing.

“Gully cricket is also played extensively in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar and now we want to put UAE in the same cadre. We are delighted to have Virender Sehwag as the Brand Ambassador and he will be doing the honours of giving away the prizes after the final,” he added.

“Another exciting part of the tournament will be the live streaming of every match on our website. This will ensure that people sitting anywhere in the world can watch the action live,” he said.

There also will be unlimited entertainment for the families and kids with never-ending music played by the DJs and an exclusive kids play area inside the stadium. Admission is free for spectators with free parking. There will also be exhibition counters and food counters allowing people an opportunity to shop and relish tasty food.

A few lucky ones will also have the unique opportunity which allows the spectators and special guests to meet a lot of celebrities during the tournament.

A lucky draw will also allow people to win attractive prices. The tournament is expected to receive extensive media coverage including promotions in Radio both in the UAE and India.

It may be noted Pacific Venture was the winner of Gulf Premier League and Udupi Premier League held in Dubai and India earlier this year. Registration is open to all corporates and individual teams. To register email [email protected]