England cricketers delighted with the facilities in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: The England cricketers had to travel all night to reach Abu Dhabi but the players were delighted with the facilities at the Shaikh Zayed Stadium and arrangements made for them by the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council.

"The England cricketers landed started arriving by four different flights from 12.30am. There was a long delay to get their big luggage and by the time they reached the hotel it was 5am," revealed Dilawar Mani, the President of the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council to Gulf News.

"Including the players and the officials about 42 members have landed here. The key for their hotel room were kept at the door so that they could rest immediately on arrival. Phil Nil, the Operating Manager of the England team has expressed his delight at the facilities here," added Mani. Mohammad Islam of Abu Dhabi Gymkhana team looks after all the needs of the England team. "It is indeed wonderful to be recognised. We constantly strive to earn the recognition of the cricket playing nations so that they will be delighted to come here and play," said Mani, who revealed how the England team decided to train here.

"Soon after the terror strike, I wrote to Lalit Modi of India and the Giles Clarke of ECB offering our assistance. They immediately accepted our help and it is a great honour for us," he said.