Dubai: Catch them young is the motto of the Young Talent Cricket Academy (YTCA). They introduced children, below the age of ten, to the game through a tournament. The teams were divided based on their nationality.
Speaking to Gulf News, Shahzad Altaf, the chief coach of the YTCA said: "This is the right age to introduce young kids to the game. We not only give them tips but also decided to give a match feeling. They enjoyed the competition very much."
The YTCA India tasted mixed success in the opening round of matches for the UAE Exchange Four Nations Cup.
In the Under 10 opener, YTCA Indian Warriors comprehensively defeated the YTCA Sri Lankan Lions by nine wickets at the Delhi Private School in Sharjah.
We also are staging an Under-13 event on the same lines. In the Under 13 category, YTCA Indian Warriors beat their counterparts, YTCA Pakistani Tigers by nine wickets before losing to YTCA Sri Lankan Lions by 1 run.
"The excitement of that one-run win match has to be seen to be believed. Cricket was at its best," said Altaf.
The organisers created a festival atmosphere including music and dance to the matches with live DJ. Hundreds of parents were also there to cheer the youngsters.
Meanwhile, in Ajman Cricket Council Twenty20 Cup, Gulf Health Care International Cricket Club won the Ajman Cricket Council Invitation Cup Twenty20 final at the Ajman Cricket Council ground. In the Dubai Shijna Cup, Zultec registered successive victories over ECT Dubai and Production House Amap while in the Al Dhaid 40-overs-a-side tournament, Afridi CC bt ECB Greens by seven wickets.
In another match, William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana CC stopped Interface Transworld by seven wickets.
