Abu Dhabi: In all, 40 teams will be taking part in the 13th UAE Exchange Cricket Tournament that gets underway at domestic grounds from October 21.

There will be eight groups, and the two top teams from each group will qualify for the knockout stages.

All games shall be held on Fridays and cover 14 matches per day.

Matches will be held from 8am and 1.30pm. A total 95 games shall be played — including eight pre-quarter finals, quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final. The tournament will run for nine weeks.

In terms of prizes, the winners will walk away with Dh10,000 and the trophy, while the runners-up will get Dh5,000 and the trophy.

There shall be numerous other awards both in cash and trophies for teams.

UAE Exchange has been supporting the event for the last 13 years, reflecting the commitment of Dr B.R. Shetty to the promotion and development of the sport of cricket in Abu Dhabi, said Wajahat Husain, President of Abu Dhabi Cricket Council.

“That the ADCC Calendar for 2016/17 season is already congested with over 500 games scheduled reflects the popularity of the game of cricket. The contribution towards this popularity wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Dr B.R. Shetty & Mr Sudhir Shetty and his group companies,” said Husain, who also thanked Mr Dilawar Mani for his support.

Sudhir Shetty, who was present, promised UAE Exchange’s prolonged support to the sport of cricket and Abu Dhabi Cricket Council.

“We have always, as a matter of preferred choice, supported not only the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council but also the Zayed Cricket Academy to ensure the game continues to develop and flourish among the cricket community and youth. We would like to continue to do so,” said Shetty adding, “The sport maintains a passionate following with many new teams and players emerging every year and we strongly believe in supporting the cricket fraternity and the game at every level be it grass-roots, domestic leagues, national and international.

“It is our intention to maintain this close bond with the game and the community through sponsorship and our exceptional financial services.”