Ajman: At a time when cricket grounds are dwindling in the UAE, the newly formed Ajman Cricket Council (ACC) has set up 12 grounds for the game in Al Jarf.
"This is our first year of operation as an officially recognised council of the Emirates Cricket Board. We have set up 12 grounds, investing Dh500,000, to give a big boost to the game. We have built seating cabins for seven grounds and the rest are under construction. There will be scoreboards, boundary stoppers and flags for all grounds. We hope to stage nearly 600 matches on these grounds this season," Shaji Ul Mulk, general secretary of the Ajman Cricket Council (ACC), told Gulf News.
The ACC has been formed under the patronage of Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.
"We have extensive plans to provide excellent facilities for the game. We are installing floodlights on two of our grounds to introduce day-night cricket in Ajman. The oncoming Ramadan tournament will be held under lights," added Mulk, who is also an outstanding allrounder and has bagged many prestigious awards in UAE's domestic cricket.
The ACC is run by a group of cricketers who know the pulse of the players.
"Right now all our grounds are cement tracks but we will soon convert one of them into a turf wicket. We are even making arrangements for drinking water, and also setting up a fully equipped cricket shop, which will offer equipment at discounted rates," said Mulk.
The grounds will not only be used for ACC tournaments but will also be available for private tournament organisers.
The ACC is expecting the grounds to be packed with cricket enthusiasts during holidays. "To cater to the comfort of the players, we are even setting up facilities for Friday prayers. A canteen is also being built since it will be non-stop action on these grounds starting from the Ramadan tournament," said Mulk.
Dr Ebrahim Esmail will represent the ACC in the Emirates Cricket Board. Meeraj Hussain is the chief administrator and Kamal Hussain is director of finance.
The ACC is starting their new season with a bang. Pakistan Test stars Taufeeq Umar, Hassan Raza and Yasir Hameed will take part in the ACC's Trucape Ramadan Twenty20 tournament.
"The Pakistan Test players will play in the second half of the tournament. Twenty-four teams from A and B divisions will participate," said Meeraj Hussain.
The ACC has also set up their own web site, www.ajmancricket.com, to provide indepth coverage of their matches.
The ACC will also provide extensive coaching facilities.
"Six practice nets are ready and we will provide all facilities for training. We are keen to establish the largest and most developed playing facility in the country," added Hussain.
The ACC is delighted with the sponsorship support for their effort. Eurocon Alubond has provided huge support.
"We will add more facilities to the ground through display of brand names on different areas of our ground," said Kamal Hussain.
The Council and its extensive plans
- The Ajman Cricket Council has been set up under the directive of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Education and Scientific Research.
- The Ajman Cricket Council has been formed under the patronage of Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi and is among the four cricket councils recognised by the Emirates Cricket Board.
- The council has set up 12 grounds in Al Jarf investing Dh500,000.
- Plans on to create a turf wicket. All the other grounds will be cement tracks.
- Two floodlit grounds will be available for day-night tournaments.
- On the ground there will be a cricket shop, canteen, a prayer place, and seating cabins.
- The Ajman Cricket Council plans to stages 600 matches this season.
- The Ajman Cricket Council has set up six practice nets for a coaching academy.
Your comments
I was playing for Grandslam cricket club up to last year. I moved to China but am very happy to see this news.
Raju
Shaoxing Keqiao,China
Putting up gorunds is fine and spending money is good but why do all of this when you have no UAE nationals playing cricket. Whats the point. It's all expatriates playing the game. It is time to use your brains ECB. Start coming to our schools.
Alawi
Dubai,UAE
