Abu Dhabi: Cricket fans in Abu Dhabi are in for a treat on Friday when Kevin Pietersen, the former England batsman, takes on the Shoaib Akhtar, the ex-Pakistan bowler widely regarded as the fastest of all time, in an exhibition match.
The legendary duo will captain two teams between 5pm and 5.30pm as part of the annual Sprite Cricket Stars Tournament at Shaikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The event, which has been accredited by the Emirates Cricket Board as the UAE’s official grassroots cricket tournament, has involved a series of indoor and outdoor matches.
Held in collaboration with the Smart Life Foundation, the fourth season has engaged 24 labour accommodations and more than 420 teams, including members of the public. Akhtar is taking part in his capacity as ambassador for Sprite Cricket Stars.
Internationally, the Coca-Cola Company has sponsored the ‘Sprite 24/7 Project’, a cricket initiative that was launched by Pietersen’s KP24 Foundation, a non-profit organisation established to help underprivileged teens globally.
The project, which kicked off on Wednesday, November 24, involves a 10-day cricketing camp and tournament in Dubai for seven teams hailing from less fortunate communities across the globe.
The ‘Sprite 24/7 Project’ offers players aged between 16-18 years training sessions with a group of professional players and coaches, including Pietersen, before representing their countries in a global T20 tournament in front of 10,000 spectators at the Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Both initiatives are a reflection of the Coca-Cola Company’s global drive to help address the challenge of obesity by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Visit www.spritecricketstars.com for more information.
