Abu Dhabi to display school cricket talent

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Cricket Council has roped in Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) as sponsors of the fifth Abu Dhabi inter-school cricket tournament in various age-groups.

The competition kicks off with the under-19s this weekend, followed by the U-16s next month while the U-14 tournament is scheduled for January. All matches will be played at the ADCC’s Nursery Ovals in Twenty20 format.

Cambridge High School, winners of the U-19 category for the last two years, heads the list again with a team consisting of Shivank Vijaykumar, Moaaz Qazi, Bilal Passela and Bikramjeet Singh, all of whom represented the UAE in age-group tournaments this year.

Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Pakistan School, runners-up twice to Cambridge, will be hoping to seek revenge this season. Ahmad-ur Rehman, Player of the Tournament last time round, leads the team which also include UAE under-16 international Simon Charles. Glenelge makes their debut while British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi Indian School and Asian International School-Bida Zayed complete the six-team line-up.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Majdi Abdul Muhdi, Head of Corporate Communications at ADCB, said: “While ADCB guides customers through what we call the wealth journey, we also advocate the health journey and our commitment to the wellness of the nation can be seen through sponsorship of such sports activities. These worthy initiatives enrich the broader community and naturally develop personal ambition.”

David East, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Cricket Club and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), also expressed his delight over the association with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank as the new sponsors and was hoping that the competition would be a success. “There has been a huge increase in competing teams this year, and we look forward to a competitive and enjoyable tournament in each of the three age groups,” said East.

Sudhir Shetty, chief executive officer of the UAE Exchange Centre, co-sponsors of the tournament, said the school tournament was the way forward.

“Having been involved in this event from its inception five years ago, we have seen it getting better and better every passing year,” he said.