Ajman: A new turf pitch at the Ajman Oval ground is fast becoming a popular venue for domestic cricketers in the UAE.

Cricket enthusiasts Aamir Sarfarz, Rashid Gulamnabi, Salman Ahmad, Shujauddin Chaudhry and Khalil Gulamnabi felt the need for a top class ground and so embarked on a mission to create this venue amidst the desert of Ajman.

Being qualified professionals, each drew up their plans of how to create a top-class ground.

Ahmad, who is one of the owners, told Gulf News: “It was our dream to have a cricket ground with lush outfields and with a ‘play in the park’ atmosphere, so that not only players but also families and friends can have a great time watching cricket. Though we had only minimal savings, we had a wealthy determination in transforming our dream into a reality.

“We are located just off the E311 Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed road. We now have four turf pitches, fully green and sloped outfield and an Arabesque design pavilion, which has become the envy of all cricket enthusiasts.”

The Ajman Oval creators made it a point to adhere to all international standards required for a first-class ground.

“We created facilities such as a fully floodlit arena for all night matches, practice area with three net wickets, barbeque pits and seating arrangements for spectators and players alike and good dressing rooms,” Ahmad said.

And with the ongoing popularity of Twenty20 tournaments, there are dug outs for two teams. And they even created an air-conditioned mosque, a canteen and a sports shop in the ground

“The venue is tree-lined throughout the borders, giving it a picturesque yet private and secluded feeling. In November 2014, we inaugurated the ground, inviting the Pakistan cricket team, which was here. Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Waqar Younus, Moin Khan, Mushtaq Ahmad and Grant Flower are a few of the names that came for the inauguration,” recalled Ahmad.

It took time for the news of a new cricket stadium to reach players and tournament organisers, but it is now one of the UAE’s busiest grounds.

“We are happy that we have posted the Ajman Oval ground in the history of UAE cricket as the first turf ground in Ajman. We have already hosted 300 matches within a short span and all top teams have played here,” Ahmad said.

“Touring Teams from the UK have played here, ten high profile tournaments have also been held here during Ramadan. We also earned the honour of hosting the UAE cricket team for their trials for the 2015 World Cup.”

To ensure that top quality cricket is provided in the coming season, the organisers have resurfaced and refurbished the turf pitches, outfields and surrounding facilities.

“We want to live up to our aim of providing high-grade facilities to customers and supporters at very affordable rates, as love and promotion of the game is foremost in our mind,” said Ahmad.

For more information log on to www.ajmanoval.ae