Dubai: Dubai will stage a Pakistan Independence Day cricket tournament for the 26th year on August 14 at the Seven Seas ground.
The seven-a-side tournament is being held to commemorate the 68th Pakistan Independence Day.
Tariq Butt, the UAE’s senior umpire and chief organiser of the tournament, told Gulf News: “I am delighted that after staging the 25th edition of the Pakistan Independence tournament last year, I am able to continue staging this tournament, which brings all expatriates in the UAE together. This seven-a-side tournament has been a popular event and has always been keenly contested.”
The tournament, which will be held under the auspices of the Dubai Cricket Council, will be contested by six B division teams.
“Since we permit only six teams to play, entry will be based on a first come, first served basis,” said Butt, who also stages Indian Independence Day Cups every year.
“This tournament has been sponsored by many companies over the years, but Golden Line is supporting us for the 11th year and hence the tournament will be called the 11th Golden Line Pakistan Independence Cup tournament,” added Butt, who also receives huge support from Freddy Sidhwa of Seven Seas.
“Atif Waheed of Golden Line and Freddy Sidhwa have provided continuous support to stage this cricket festival for the past 11 years.
“Attractive prizes for the top performers and teams are provided by them. Sidhwa, who captains the Seven Seas and is a cricket enthusiast, has always opened the Seven Seas Sports Club ground for the staging of this tournament.”
