Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board and the man who pioneered the cause of cricket in the region said it was ridiculous to constantly link venues in the UAE to the betting and fixing scandals.
"It was ridiculous when it was alleged at the first instance and it is still ridiculous now when they link venues here to the scandal," said Bukhatir, speaking to reporters during the Shaikh Zayed Cup tri-nation tournament here on Monday night.
"The UAE has contributed heavily to the development of the game not only locally but at the global level. But to pass on the blame of a global cricketing problem to one venue is neither correct nor ethical," said the man who was behind staging the highest number of one-day internationals in Sharjah.
"Whoever started this must have done it for their own reasons but people are realising the truth. The ACU has also given its verdict and Sharjah has been given a clean chit which is on record," he said.
"But more important we have never stopped what we were doing promoting cricket. This stadium here in Abu Dhabi is a good example of the UAE's investment in a top class cricketing facility. There is another coming up in Dubai. Ajman and Fujairah have also started to organise clubs and games. We can't go back we can only go forward," Bukhatir said.
Commenting on the inaugural event at the Shaikh Zayed Stadium, Bukhatir said he was happy the hard work had paid off. "This is a fantastic facility and it is good to see big teams playing here."
"Cricket in the UAE is heading the right way. It is one of the major games in schools, colleges and clubs."
In reply to a query on what would be the crowning glory for all his efforts in promoting the game, Bukhatir said: "Once the cricketing facility at the Dubai Sports City is ready and with this venue in Abu Dhabi and the Sharjah Stadium it would be nice to see the ICC Trophy being played here in the UAE."
