Emirates Cricket Board's new ‘UAE Cricket Leagues’ to begin on Sunday

Sport360 staff 14:20 24/03/2018
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  • ECB spokesperson Zayed Abbas.

    Emirates Cricket Board plans to develop the game are set to continue by launching an inaugural five-tournament ‘UAE Cricket Leagues’ series, which begins on Sunday.

    Over an 11-week period, between March to September, the Leagues will bring together all four councils – Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai and Sharjah – to compete in Twenty20 and 50-over formats in boys, women’s and men’s categories. This will be played through a 28 match-schedule across the country.

    “Emirates Cricket is very excited to launch the UAE Cricket Leagues,” said Zayed Abbas, Emirates Cricket spokesperson.

    “We have a number of successful stand-alone tournaments in our National structure and calendar already, however we were also very aware of the need and opportunity to replicate the successful domestic leagues, of other full members, here in the UAE.

    “After lengthy discussions with our Councils we conceptualised and implemented this series, which will bring the main categories and formats under one competitive, unified structure, one where the UAE’s four Councils will compete for a National Trophy, and ultimate glory, in T20 and 50-over formats of the game.”

    “We are delighted with the support we have received from the Councils, and thank them for their commitment to the success of the Inaugural Leagues as well as to its future.”

    Previous Under-16 and U-19 tournaments have provided the platform for their search in identifying players for upcoming international competitions and this year will be no different.

    “Another very important aspect is that the Leagues create a best vs best from each Council, which will provide us with our primary vehicle to integrate with Emirates Cricket’s National Team selection and talent identification process,” added Abbas.

    The U-16 tournament will be played from Sunday until Saturday, March 31, while the U-19 will compete in the 50-over series from April 2 to 7.

    For the first time, there will also be a men’s T20 National League scheduled mid-April, followed by the men’s 50-over league as well as the T20 event in  September.

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