Kevin Pietersen boost for UAE tournament and players
Star English batsman to present prizes and play in exhibition match during final
Dubai: Flamboyant England batsman Kevin Pietersen will be in action in the UAE next month, when he will also give away the prizes following the final of the Al Nabooda Insurance Brokers (Anib) Reliable Trophy.
South Africa-born Pietersen, who has scored 8,181 Test runs and 4,440 in One Day Internationals, has been the inspiration behind the success of the Anib XI On Top team, which has been recording sensational victories in the UAE’s domestic cricket tournaments — including the recent Umm Al Quwain Kashmir Twenty20 League and the Legends Cricket League in Ajman.
The organisers of this team are now focusing on staging the high-profile Anib Reliable Trophy tournament, which will host Pietersen at the presentation ceremony on the final day of the tournament. The 35-year-old will present the awards for the man of the series, man of the final, best batsman, best bowler, best fielder and best wicketkeeper.
Speaking to Gulf News, S. Rajagopal, Managing Director of Anib, said: “Pietersen has taken a special interest in promoting cricket in the UAE. Two months ago, Pietersen was here and conducted a master class coaching session for our team’s players and they were greatly benefitted by his tips.
“He also picked three children from different schools in the UAE for his master class sessions. So when we requested his presence for the final of our inaugural tournament, he readily agreed.”
Pietersen will also take to the field on the day. Daniel Jason, Senior Vice-President, Brand and Media, of Anib, confirmed the news. “We are planning to invite cricket-loving chief executive officers among companies here to form a KP XI and play against the Anib XI in an exhibition tie.”
Pietersen is expected to launch his UAE academy during his visit for the final.
“The venue for his academy at Kings’ School in Al Barsha is yet to be ready, but we are hoping to launch the coaching sessions from another ground till the Kings’ School venue is ready,” said Rajagopal.
The inaugural Anib Reliable Trophy tournament starting on September 4 will be contested by 16 teams and will follow a Twenty20 format.
“There will be many added bonuses for the top performers of this tournament. We are arranging a personal meet-and-greet session and lunch or dinner with Pietersen for one star performer of each team reaching the semi-finals and final, plus a photo opportunity with Pietersen for the winning team’s players,” said Jason.
During his last visit to Dubai, Pietersen had remarked: “I want to bring cricket to somewhere where I knew we could make a big difference.”
The legendary batsman will be flying into the UAE with this singular mission in mind next month.
Cricket-loving CEOs who wish to feature alongside Pietersen in the exhibition match are requested to contact Anib officials.
