Fly Emirates players honoured

The award ceremony for the Emirates airline Cricket Cup, one of the most prestigious domestic cricket tournaments in UAE was held at the Le Meridien Hotel Dubai.

Fly Emirates, the winners of the event were honoured during the function. Team skipper Peter Rodrigues received a crystal trophy and a cash award of Dhs 6,000 from Maurice Flannagan, the Vice Chairman & Group President, Emirates Group.

Fly Emirates won the trophy for the second year in succession.

Speaking on the occasion Flannagan said, "We are very proud of our boys and are aware of the hard work that they have put in over the last few seasons. This has helped our team do well and win laurels for the second consecutive time in this tournament,"

Flannagan even picked some players for special praise. "We admire the good performances of a few of our players. They have been shining for the UAE national team too. Khurram Khan has ben doing a great job as skipper of the national team while Fahad Usman and Arshad Ali are also coming up with match winning displays."

Flannagan also praised the DCC for the successful conduct of the event, "The DCC is doing a great job by organising cricket in the way it should be played and we will try to support them in the future too within our corporate limitations."

Air India team skipper Mohammed Lokhandwala received the runners up trophy. Ratan Bali, marketing manager of Air India, acknowledging his players' performance said: "Air India surprised all with their much improved performance and has done the airlines proud."

Indika Battuwitarachi of Lanka Lions bagged the man of the tournament award for his brilliant performance with the bat and the ball. Consolidated Shipping Services' Syed Maqsood won the best batsman's award while his teammate Aqeel Latif bagged the best bowlers trophy.

DCC's Chairman Abdul Rahaman Falaknaz and Secretary Hayat Yar Khan and Al Khwaja, Mike Simon and Leroy Lindsay of Emirates airline attended the function.