Saudi Premier League-2017 gets underway

Jubail, Oct 19: Saudi Premier League-2017 has got underway at Jubail with the sponsorship of Spark Arabia. For the first time in Kingdom players were purchased through auction.

Opening

The grand opening ceremony of first SPL-2017 was conducted at Al-Falah cricket ground Al-Jubail on October 12 with SPL march past by all 6 team players, tournament officials and Al Falah cricket Academy kids.

Main sponsor of SPL-2017 Habeeb, CEO of Spark Arabia, Naushad A R, SPL committee chairman, Salahuddin Salman, Managing Director of SAB group, Al-Khober, Mazhar from SAB, Irshad from IFF and Faziq from Spark Arabia were among the guests.

Salim Sheik, SPL organizing committee chief advisor welcomed the guest. Ibba Bajpe greeted them. Guests poured their best wishes for the success of the tournament.

Saifulla Thodar, master of ceremony, explained the intention behind the SPL-2017 which will enhance the talent of the crickets in Saudi Arabia especially for eastern province players.

Snehadeepam Charitable Society, based at Kappikadu in Mangaluru, will be the beneficiary of the SPL accrued funds. Started in 2015, the society is taking care and supporting the kids affected with HIV/AIDS. Snehadeepam was founded by a woman, Tabassum.

All 6 team captains participated in SPL pledge ceremony and promising to play in the honor of their franchises with true sportsman spirit.

Matches

The first inaugural match held between White Stone warriors and Al Safa Al-Hassa.  B M Sharief, managing director of White stone industrial services was present.

In the first two weeks, 15 league matches will be played among the six teams. In the last week, play off stage matches will be held. The final match will take place on October 27 followed by a grand closing ceremony. The organizers have promised gifts and prizes for the audiences by conducting cricket related quiz and distributing lucky coupon during closing ceremony.

The auction

The auction was held in Jubail Cookxon restaurant on Saturday 30, wherein 6 franchises purchased 18 players each out of 280 registered players.

Fayaz Anabeeb welcomed. Saifulla Thodar, SPL core committee member and secretary briefed about SPL auction rules and regulations. Ibba Bajpe, SPL chief advisor, presented the representatives of franchise with certificates. Tournament committee distributed all franchise players official squad immediately after auction.