Sport360 NSL returns for second edition of cricket tournament

Denzil Pinto 08:35 10/09/2015
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  • NSL cricket was a huge success in its first year.

    Following the success of its first edition, Sport360’s Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) National School League (NSL) is back for another season, giving the opportunity for budding cricketers to showcase their talent in a unified league.

    Hat-tricks, last-ball wins and a first century were just some of the highlights in an action-packed five-month tournament, and season two promises to serve up some thrilling displays with 48 teams from 30 schools signed up already.

    With registrations closing on Tuesday, there’s still time to join in what will be another successful tournament.

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    Backed by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), the ADIB NSL has earned rave reviews from players, parents and even 2011 World Cup winning coach Gary Kirsten.

    It’s part of Sport360’s drive in promoting a healthy lifestyle and developing talent at grassroot levels, allowing the stars of tomorrow to pit themselves against the best in a unified schools league in the UAE.

    ECB national development manager Andrew Russell said: “It’s great to hear that NSL is returning next month. It’s a really good tournament as it allows the youngsters to get good exposure in highly competitive games. It meets the requirements in the development of cricket in the UAE, which is very important for us at the ECB.”

    Having been crowned champions after thrilling victories in February, Under-13 and Under-15 champions GEMS Modern Academy and DPS Sharjah will attempt to defend their titles beginning October 3. 

    There will be two age categories – U-13 and U-15 – with schools divided into separate groups according to their geographical location – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. U-13 games will consist of 15 overs each side, while U-15 is a Twenty20 format.

    Each team will be guaranteed five matches in the round-robin stage, with the top-two advancing to the quarter-finals.

    Matches will be played at weekends on turf-wickets at Sharjah’s Skyline University, Dubai’s Sevens Stadium and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium and Nursery Ovals.

    Those who reach the final will have the opportunity to play at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 29, 2016.

    Speaking about their sponsorship of the ADIB NSL, head of retail banking Philip King said: “ADIB is excited to continue and extend our unique participation in grassroots cricket in the UAE with NSL and Sport360. Our sponsorship of this event comes as part of our commitment to support key community initiatives that promote healthy living among the youth.

    “ADIB was a founding sponsor of the NSL in the successful 2014/15 season and is further enhancing its partnership by becoming title sponsor for the 2015/16 season.”

    OSN, National Ambulance and Malabar Gold and Diamonds are supporting the event while Cricket Radio are the media partners. Registration can be made by emailing [email protected] or calling 0522443906.

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