Dubai: The Indian team that will take part in the 10th edition of the World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF) World Cup in the UAE during September will be managed by UAE-based Petromann Events company.
The week-long World Cup will be held from September 16 to 23, at the Insportz Club. The World Cup is staged in partnership with Cricket Australia (CA) and Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).
The Indian team will gear up for the World Cup hoping to stop Australia, the eight-time champions of the event.
Petromann has the experience of having supported many top cricketing events in the UAE.
The popular Ten Premier League, the richest gully cricket event, is being organised by them. They will manage, operate and market the Indian team.
Incidentally, Petromann has an indoor team which has been participating in A division indoor league tournaments. Speaking to Gulf News, Abdul Latif Khan, chairman, Petromann Events, said: “It is indeed an honour to be chosen to manage the Indian national team. As there will be a huge following for the Indian team here, we will ensure that the team is promoted and managed in a big way. We will be even appointing a top international cricketer of repute as the brand ambassador of the Indian team. We will tap the vast Indian community in the region.”
Khan, who was manager of the Cricket Operations for the former England captain Paul Collingwood-led Capricorn Commanders team in the Masters Champions League, also said: “Plans are afoot to involve some reputed names in helping raise awareness of the tournament and the team. Our knowledge of the area makes it that much easier for us to do our task. The Indian cricket team will be showcased in the grandest way possible as they train to prepare for the World Cup.”
The India Indoor Sports Federation has mandated XLR8 to select, train and prepare Indian cricket teams for all indoor tournaments.
The World Cup will attract 400 players and officials from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia and the host UAE, apart from India. Insportz, which launched indoor cricket in UAE, is the Middle East’s first indoor sports facility with fully air-conditioned multipurpose courts.
The 10th edition of the WICF World Cup will also involve players competing in the Open Men’s, Open Women’s, 21 & Under Men’s, and 21 & Under Women’s divisions, with Australia the reigning World Champions in each of the four divisions.
