Dubai: The Dubai Ramadan cricket tournament is set to continue its run of success thanks mainly to the unwavering commitment of Dulsco Sports Club. Despite a shortage of venues to stage the event in Dubai, the club made sure the exciting tournament does not fade away by transforming the Za'abeel Park ground into one of the most popular cricket grounds in the UAE.
"We want to make this Ramadan cricket tournament a special occasion as it coincides with our company's 75th anniversary. We are thankful to the Dubai Municipality for providing the Za'abeel Park ground to ensure the Ramadan tournament is held without a break," John Neale, managing director of Dulsco, told Gulf News.
Neale makes sure to attend the matches along with Johnson Alexander, director of Human Resources for Dulsco. Alexander had initiated the tournament and oversees the conduct of the event along with sports administrator Shaikh Rafik. This tournament was staged at the Dubai Cricket Council (DCC) grounds for five years before the construction boom took away these grounds.
Elaborating on the tournament, Rafik said: "Twenty teams will participate in the tournament scheduled to begin from August 9. Teams will be allowed to field two overseas players and [the event] will be staged under the auspices of the DCC."
This tournament will be a Twenty20 event. "We will start the matches only by 8.30pm on all days to ensure that everyone gets to participate in the event after work... Cricketers have always enjoyed playing in our events and we will make it as comfortable as possible for the players," added Rafik.
The teams who have confirmed participation are: Yogi Group, Jotun Paints, Rotory Humm, Enoc, Pacers Ramadi, Brook Field Multiplex, Arowana Consulting, Wing Group UAE, Dry Dock World Dubai, UPS, Afridi C.C., Abu Dhabi Cargo Company, National Pest Control, Active IT Distribution, Standard Chartered Bank, Jashanmal Multiplex, Tiger X1, AMI and Uniforge Bhatkal Club, besides Dulsco.
