Some of the UAE’s top clubs will battle for glory in the 25th edition of the ‘A’ Division Trophy – one of three new tournaments for Abu Dhabi Cricket Council (ADCC) this season.
Interface Transworld, Alubond Tigers, UBL, Multiplex and former champions Danube Lions are all part of the 16 team field for the 50-over competition, with the group stages commencing at the end of this month.
The tournament is one of 16 events on ADCC calendar for this season but it’s their most prestigious by far.
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Wajahat Husain, ADCC president, said: “This is an important landmark for us as it’s the 25th edition of this tournament. “That speaks volumes about how strong and how valued this competition is.
“It has grown immensely and I’m delighted the country’s best clubs are participating.
“I want to thank Gulf Technical and TechAccess which is supporting cricket and especially this tournament. The tournament shall provide opportunities for cricketers to demonstrate their talent and skills and potentially go on to represent the UAE.”
With the UAE sealing qualification to the 2014 World Twenty20 and last year’s 50-over World Cup, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive David East stressed just how crucial it is to have strong domestic tournaments that will aid the national team.
Update on @EmiratesCricket central contracts as David East says February should see launch https://t.co/PcDED9anpf pic.twitter.com/0XJDZTflVL
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East said: “I cannot emphasise how important it is to have excellent tournaments in the UAE. It not only provides top quality cricket for players but it sets the platform for the UAE to get success and that can only be a good thing.”
Prize money is attractive with Dh20,000 awarded to the champions, while the runners-up will bag Dh12,000.
Meanwhile, there was no shortage of entries for their T20 tournaments. The UAE Exchange Trophy attracted a record number of 42 sides with the first games played this Friday.
The UBL Cricket Trophy also returns from January 15 with 16 teams battling for the top honours.
