Sharjah: The GM Cricket Academy will stage one of the UAE’s biggest tournaments for budding cricketers, with 35 teams set to play in more than 100 matches over a period of 15 days.
The 14th edition of the Ramada Gulf Cup, held under the auspices of the Sharjah Cricket Council, will begin on December 25 at the Skyline University ground.
Shahzad Altaf, tournament director alongside Abdul Rahman, told Gulf News: “It is a tournament for schools, clubs, colleges and universities, with over 500 cricketers participating. There will be various categories like under-9s, 11s, 13s, 15s, 17s, inter-collegiate and sponsors’ cup.
“The teams will play in coloured clothing and with white balls and matches will be played at the Skyline University college and Al Sadiq schools grounds.”
The tournament has a history of giving a platform to many international stars over its 13 previous editions.
“Among the players who took part in this tournament are Ben Stokes and Scott Borthwick, who went on to represent England. It is encouraging that our hard work is being reflected through such players going on to become international players,” said Altaf, who also revealed that English county cricket club Durham have endorsed the Ramada Gulf Cup by returning to participate for the eighth time.
“Among others who used this tournament as a springboard for success are Jamie Atkinson, who captained Hong Kong in the Under-19 World Cup in 2010, Rami Singh, who is currently playing for England Under-19s, and Benjamin Raine, who is a member of the Durham side.
“Andri Berenger, who played for YTCA in the 2003 edition went on to represent Sri Lanka in the Under-19 World Cup in 2010 and is now among the UAE probables for the 2015 World Cup. Rameez Aziz played for Pakistan in the Under-19 World Cup in 2010, while Rameez Shahzad is currently playing for United Bank and also represents UAE and Durham CCC ‘B’ teams for local matches.”
