If the ongoing World T20 Cup in Bangladesh is whipping up an appetite for the fastest, shortest and most exciting version of cricket in you, it’s time to make your plans and head up to 7he Sevens Stadium on Friday, for the latest edition of the Emirates Airline Twenty20.
Emirates Airline, one of the global sponsors of the International Cricket Council (ICC), brings all the excitement of Twenty20 to your doorstep. The quaint surroundings of the two cricket ovals at 7he Sevens, on Al Ain Road, is once again the venue for the event, which will see stars like England’s James Anderson, Matt Prior and Monty Panesar, and Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan and Prasanna Jayawardene in action.
Also making an appearance will be India’s dashing opener Virendra Sehwag. Although currently out of favour with the Indian selectors, Sehwag remains one of the biggest names in the game and will be trying to make his comeback with the Kings XI Punjab in this year’s Indian Premier League.
However, Sehwag fans will not be able to see him in action, as he is only scheduled to appear for an autograph-signing session. The tournament features an MCC side, which includes Panesar, Murali and Prasanna, taking on English county squads Lancashire and Sussex, and the Dubai-based Kerala Premier League XI team on Friday.
England paceman Anderson,now recovered from a rib injury he sustained in the recent Ashes series in Australia, will be a part of Lancashire Lightning, while Test wicket-keeper Prior will turn up for Sussex.
Led by captain Glen Chapple, Lancashire will meet the defending champions Sussex in the first semi-final at 10:30. Sussex are aiming for a hat trick of trophies. The second semi-final will be between MCC and the newcomers to the Trophy, the Dubai-based Kerala Premier League X1 at 14:00.
Tournament Director Matthew Jackson said: “We are delighted that Jimmy Anderson is back to full fitness and will be joining the Lancashire side for the Emirates Airline Twenty20, and we are looking forward to witnessing his awesome bowling prowess.
“The Dubai crowds are certainly in for a treat with this kind of talent on display at 7he Sevens. With the likes of Muralitharan, Monty and Prasanna lining up for the MCC, and Prior and Michael Yardy in the Sussex side, we will be seeing some world-class cricketing action this Friday.”
Spectators will also have the opportunity to get autographs of some of the legends of the game, with Muralitharan, Jayawardene, Panesar, Samit Patel, and Andre Adams all appearing for autograph sessions between 11:30-12:30, and Sehwag, Prior and Anderson also appearing at 14:30.
Also making a special appearance will be Malayalam movie star Suresh Gopi, who has appeared in more than 190 films. Suresh will also be available for autographs at 17:00 before the final commences at 18:00.
Seating is on grass banks, so the fans have been urged to bring blankets, umbrellas and sunscreen to enjoy a great day out with the stars of the game. The family off-pitch entertainment includes a circus workshop for children, and food and beverage outlets will cater for all visitors.
And to make access easier to 7he Sevens, a free Avis shuttle bus service will operate from Lulu Centre in Karama, the Old Grand City Mall carpark in Al Quoz and the Lulu Hypermarket in Al Qusais, to and from the ground.
The first buses will leave at 09:00 and run every 45 minutes until 21:00.
WHAT: The Emirates airline Twenty20
WHERE: The cricket pitches at 7he Sevens
WHEN: Friday, March 21
COST: Dh25 ticket, available at the gate. Children under 12 enter free with a paying adult. Premium shaded seating available for Dh100.
Sport360 VERDICT: The tournament, in the past few years, has grown in stature and is a fantastic event for the family. Not only do you get to watch some brilliant action, you also get a chance to get up close and personal with some of the leading players.
CONTACT: Call Promoseven Sports Marketing on +971 4 321 0008 or log on to www.emiratest20.com.
