Abu Dhabi: Seven new teams have joined the action in the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council's (ADCC) domestic season as a record 40 teams confirmed their entries for the President's Cup which starts today at the council grounds.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday night, ADCC general Secretary Enam Ul Haq, said: "We have seven new clubs that will be appearing in the 25-overs per innings tournament which is open to B Division teams."
Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Takreer, CAE, Lifeline Hospital, Bankers XI and Dayian Degrot are the seven new clubs in the fray.
Sponsor
Dilawar Mani, CEO of Emirates Cricket Board and the man who initiated the President's Cup six years ago is once again sponsoring the event.
"This year we have introduced a ‘Spirit of Cricket' award."
Mani said he believes this will "contribute to the game of cricket".
"We need to bring some order into the game and we have always insisted on players upholding the spirit of cricket which is a gentleman's game," Mani added.
The tournament starts today and is expected to last for over 12 weeks with matches being played at the ADCC's grounds.
The 40 teams have been divided into eight groups and two teams from each group will advance to the knock-out quarterfinals, according to Enam Ul Haq.
The last five editions of the President's Cup were won by Abu Dhabi Gymkhana but the capital's top team will not be taking part in this edition of the event.
