Dubai: Hundreds of people flocked to the Fairgrounds Oval at Dubai Men’s College for the inauguration of Danube Bhatkal Premier League (BPL) T20 cricket tournament on Friday.
A community T20 league organised by Dubai based members of Bhatkal, a small town in western coast of India, the second edition of Danube BPL will be played over the next five weeks, with the finals scheduled on March 8 at Dubai’s newest cricket venue.
Eight teams owned by Bhatkalis are participating in the IPL-style league, with the inaugural match played between PMG strikers and Chillywilly Challengers, won by the former.
Batting first the Challengers were bundled out for 89, which the Strikers chased down for the loss of three wickets in 12 overs.
“It is wonderful to see so many people turning out to see the inaugural match. I m overwhelmed by the support. Our idea in organising this league is to bring the youth together and God Willing with such support we will succeed in our goal,” said Mohammad Ghouse Khalifa, Chairman of BPL Governing Council.
The inauguration was attended by the who’s who of the Bhatkal community in Dubai, including the General Secretary of the community association Rahmatullah Rahi. The event was also graced by Arif Bhaldar, Head of Public Relations at Dunube, who are the main sponsors of the event.
Vikrant Shetty, a member of UAE’s national cricket team as well as Danube Lions, also attended the event and expressed his amazement at the level of enthusiasm and excitement shown by the community members.
More fans are expected for three matches on February 8, when Taha Warriors will take on Daffni Chargers in the morning, Sahilonline Riders will play last year’s runners up Marhaba
Champs in the afternoon and in the evening defending Champions Concord Sailors will take on Amtek Tigers.
