Emirates Cricket Board gets massive revamp

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) that is the governing body of the game in the country underwent a huge transformation in May 2009.

The change was made under the guidance of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and president of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB). Shaikh Nahyan revamped the board with the aim of broadening representation of the member councils.

Shaikh Nahyan had taken the initiative to build the Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi at a cost of $22 million (Dh80.74 million). This stadium has become an international venue by hosting their first One-day series in April 2006.

Following the revamp, Shaikh Nahyan appointed Dilawar Mani, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council (ADCC), as the ECB's chief executive. He also picked members from different emirates to represent in the board. The Abu Dhabi Cricket Council is being represented by Omar Al Askari, while Ahmad Mohammad Al Midfa and Waleed Bukhatir represent the Sharjah Cricket Council.

The Dubai Cricket Council (DCC) is being represented by Mohammad Reda Abbas and Khalid Zarouni, while Ali Abdullah Alwan is the representative for the Ajman Cricket Council.

The Emirates Cricket Board is a member of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) since 1983 and an associate member of the International Cricket Council since 1991.