Aravinda De Silva to launch Nissan Gulf Cup junior cricket tourney

Sharjah: Former Sri Lankan Test star Aravinda De Silva will launch the Nissan Gulf Cup junior cricket tournament next month.

The tournament, organised by the Insportz Cricket Academy, has unearthed many talented cricketers over the years.

"We have decided to make the event more competitive by inviting strong teams from England and India," said Shehzad Altaf, the former UAE team player turned coach and chief organiser of the tournament.

The tournament has been divided into three categories. The Under-11, Under-13 and Under-17. "The U-11 and the U-13 will be a 25 overs event the U-17 will play a 30-overs tournament. All the matches will be umpired by professional umpires from UK and UAE," added Altaf.

The tournament will commence from January 7 and would be held at three

venues: DPS Sharjah, DPS Jebel Ali and the Shaikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Popular event

All the U-17 matches and the semifinal and finals are scheduled to be played in Abu Dhabi.

"It is a great opportunity for the youngsters as they will get a chance to play at this magnificent venue under floodlights and I am thankful to Nissan and all the parents for their support in making this event a popular one," said Altaf.

The tournament which started off as a six-team event and has grown in popularity.

The teams which are participating from UAE are Zayed Cricket Academy from Abu Dhabi, the U-17 team from Durham in UK, Bahrain Cricket Academy, Sharjah Cricket Council,Al Ain Cricket Council, DPS Sharjah, DPS Jebel Ali Academy, Canara Blue Academy from Bangalore, Combined School Eleven and Insportz from UAE.

Insportz Blue are the defending champions in Under-11 category while Durham won the Under-15 tournament last year.

For the first time there will be an online coverage of the matches at www.insportz-cricket.com.

Dilawar Mani, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket Council Sussan Fernandes, senior marketing executive from Nissan announced their support to the tournament at a function.

Rashmi Nandkeolyar, principal of DPS, Jebel Ali said, "We are delighted with the response to the tournament and are pleased to host the teams at our school. Kids from the age of 6 turn out in whites and are eagerly waiting to grow up and participate in such tournaments."