NSL creates a big buzz as 42 teams sign up

Denzil Pinto 09:37 25/09/2014
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  • Raring to go: Students are excited.

    A total of 42 teams from 27 schools have confirmed their participation in the inaugural National School League (NSL) competition.

    There was an overwhelming re­sponse to the tournament, which is backed by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and organised by Sport360°, which allows students to play competitive cricket in a uni­fied league.

    The sides will compete in two age groups – under-13 (15 overs) and under-15 (T20) – in a round-robin format on turf wickets at ICC Acad­emy, 7he Sevens (Dubai), Sharjah International Stadium and the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium Nursery Ground.

    The schools will be divided into four groups according to their geographical location – Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Old Dubai, New Dubai and Sharjah and Northern Emirates – with the top team advancing to the knock-out stages with a playoff for the second and third placed teams.

    ECB chairman David East said: “The ECB are delighted that schools have embraced the oppor­tunity of taking part in such a great initiative by Sport360°.

    “Part of ECB’s strategic objective is to increase participation around the country. It’s good that we have a national schools competition that is clearly identifiable and as a result it is extremely pleasing that it has been well received.”

    And some of the schools can’t wait to play their first match of the competition, which begins on Octo­ber 17.

    Daniel Jones, coach at Repton School, said: “We are excited to be playing in this competition. The boys have been practicing hard and are fighting for places in the squad.”

    And Waseem Salim, Dubai Brit­ish School manager, added: “There is a great buzz around our school from the students, the principal (Mark Ford) and cricket coach (Dave Wright). This tournament will be a memorable experience for us, and a chance to showcase our cricketing skills with other schools in the country.” 

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