Dubai: The Dubai International Cricket Stadium looked like an international match venue on Friday with the stadium almost packed with spectators. The loud cheers from the crowds who were rooting for the players almost brought the roofs down.
It was a tournament with a difference unlike the usual ones played between clubs. The Sprite Cricket Stars tournament was staged for the labourers, who toil in the scorching heat and live indifferent labour camps but are unable to get the time to display their cricketing talents.
Truck loads of labourers from the different labour camps thronged the stadium to witness the exciting battle for the title. The strokes the batsmen played and the deliveries that some of the bowlers produced looked as if they were professionals. It was a dream come true for most of them who can at the most watch cricket only on television after a hard days work.
During the match they got to wear coloured clothing and play in an international stadium under floodlights backed with live commentary on a loud speaker for the spectators.
Though the matches commenced at 2.30pm by the time the final got over it was close to midnight.
Al Jaber Blazers beat Arabtech by three wickets in the final to lift the trophy. The celebrations that followed resembled that of a World Cup final with thousands of spectators rushing to the ground to savour the moment.
"Coke is a drink enjoyed by the common man and hence we decided to organise a tournament for the common man who enjoys our drinks," remarked Antoine Tayyar, the public affairs and communications director of Coca Cola who sponsored the tournament with the backing of the Ministry of Labour.
Each team was selected by the organisers through a selection trial.
Speaking to Gulf News about the efforts put in to stage the tournament, Denzil Fernandez, the tournament manger, said: "Each team was selected through a selection trial held at the different camps on Sundays to Fridays. Though the labourers used to return to their camps after a hard days work they promptly appeared for the trails held under lights. Hundreds of labourers came for the trials to clinch a place among the final 15 and since the numbers were so large the trails had to be conducted over a period of two months. We even allotted a coach for the different camps.
"The labourers were from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan and their talent shocked us. It was great to experience their spirit and enthusiasm."
Al Jaber reached the final stopping Dulsco Blasters in the semifinal by six wickets while Arabtech Cutter made it to final beating Dutco Dominators also by six wickets. The other teams who competed are Futtaim Flyers, ETA Hotshots, Naboodah Bouncers and Al Habtoor Yorkers.
