Al Ain: Al Ain Cricket Association officials believe an all-Emirati Twenty20 match they organised last week proves there is an appetite for the sport among UAE nationals.
Almost 30 players of all ages from across the country featured in the game, which was organised with support from the Emirates Cricket Board and was sponsored by Al Ain Water.
The match was attended by David East, Chief Executive Office of the Emirates Cricket Board, who distributed prizes and certificates among the participants.
Speaking to Gulf News after the match, match organiser Dr Ahmad Tariq Ansari, senior vice-president of the Al Ain Cricket Association, said: “It is a vision of our association to attract Emiratis into the game and we have been working hard for the last 26 years to achieve it.
“We are happy that a lot of Emiratis are now showing affection towards the game and we want to create many opportunities for them to play and enjoy the game.
“Over 26 cricketers aged from five- to 30-year-olds turned up for the match. The enthusiasm with which they played the game was remarkable. They all arrived much before the scheduled time for the match to warm up. It showed that they do not lack in discipline, but all that is needed is grooming by teaching the right techniques of the game.”
All players donned traditional white uniforms for the match. They were divided into Emirates A and B teams. Emirates B, after restricting Emirates A to 95 runs, won by six wickets.
“The fact that football is the No. 1 sport for Emiratis has to be accepted, but if we can provide them good facilities and nice grassy grounds, I am sure they won’t hesitate to play cricket. This match was organised at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club ground. We are hoping to organise more matches at this venue,” Ansari said.
“We already have three Emiratis who have represented the UAE in under-16 and under-18 Asian tournaments held in Nepal and Malaysia. We are hopeful that with our constant efforts we can produce more Emiratis to represent the UAE in international matches.”
