Dubai: Prize money for the Ramadan Cup cricket tournament will rise from Dh15,000 to Dh26,750 this year, underlining its status as one of the leading competitions in the UAE.
The second edition of the Dubai Cricket Council tournament will run from August 1 to September 12 at the ICC Global Cricket Academy. It is sponsored by Interface Transworld.
Last year’s tournament was won by Phoenix Medicine, who are among the 12 teams taking part in this year’s event.
Eleven 50-over matches will be played during Ramadan, while the remaining 12 matches will be played afterwards as the GCA grounds are currently undergoing maintenance.
Playing kits made with the latest sublimation technology will be supplied to 18 players, while all the 12 teams will have iftar and dinner-break snacks, Mohammad Lokhandwala, Honorary Secretary of the Dubai Cricket Council, announced at a press conference.
A total of 18 players are expected to serve up some exciting cricket, with internationals from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka poised to join the local teams and bolster them in their quest for the title. Each team is eligible to field four overseas players.
Phoenix Medicine and runners-up Yogi Group are sure to be tested with strong teams like Eurocon and Ibsons in the fray and some exciting new entrants like UAE Exchange, Wings Group and Dollar Rent a Car.
During Ramadan, all matches will start at 8.30pm and finish at 11.30pm. Afterwards, the matches will start at 7.30pm and finish at 10.30pm.
Entry for spectators is free.
Lodkhandwala thanked sponsors I.P. Khaitan and Nalin Khaitan, the directors of Interface Transworld, for their continued support.
He said: “We extend our sincere and deepest gratitude to Mr I.P. Khaitan, Nalin Khaitan and Interface Transworld for their great support.”
Nalin Khaitan said: “Ramadan is a favourite time of the year for all cricket lovers as cricket fever grips the nation and we enjoy exhilarating cricket on display from some of the best teams and players in the country and from abroad.
“We are very happy to be partnering Dubai Cricket Council and supporting them as it is our aim to support and help in developing the game among youngsters not only in the country, but also beyond our borders.
“We are also participating with our team and will be inviting talent from overseas, just like the other teams are doing, and will take on the challenge with more passion than ever before.”
I.P. Khaitan, who is a popular figure in local cricketing circles and who lent his support to the UAE national team during their 1996 World Cup qualifying rounds, pledged his support to the DCC for their local tournaments and commended the working committee for their hard work in keeping cricket alive in Dubai.
Groups:
A: Yogi Group, Seven Seas Strikers, Ibsons Cricket Club and Farooq Cricket Club.
B: Phoenix Medicine, Nucaf Tellicherry, Interface Transworld and UAE Exchange.
C: Eurocon, Dollar rent a car, Wings Group and Fly Emirates.
