ABU DHABI: The UAE Exchange Centre Abu Dhabi inter-school tournament has drawn a record 34 teams in four different age-group matches, to be held at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council’s (ADCC) Nursery Oval grounds in the first week of November.
The sixth edition of the tournament, organised by the ADCC in association of the Emirates Cricket Board, has expanded to Under-12s this season in addition to the U19, U16 and U14.
The Cambridge High School will be looking to win the U19 title for a fourth successive year while the defending champions Merryland International will be hoping for a repeat of their superb double, winning both the U16 and U14 trophies.
David East, chief executive of both the Emirates Cricket Board and Abu Dhabi Cricket Club, was overwhelmed from the response from the school this season and insisted it was the way forward.
“It is crucial we provide the platform underneath the national team to ensure we got a continue flow of cricketers coming to the national teams,” said the former Essex wicketkeeper batsman.
“And without tournaments such as this which embrace the passion for cricket in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE, without those tournaments with the help of sponsors like the UAE Exchange Centre taking place it will be impossible for us to make this progress.”
The UAE Exchange Centre have been a co-sponsor of the Abu Dhabi inter-school tournament since its inception in 2008/2009 and steps in as the main sponsor this season.
“School cricket is very special to us because we have been involved from its inception and seen it grow every passing year,” said Sudhir Shetty, chief operating officer of the UAE Exchange Centre.
“We are glad it has expanded to the U12’s, providing an early introduction to competitions for the youngsters. We are indeed happy to see more participation in this season’s school tournament.”
Qazi Ayub, the tournament director, said the school tournament is an opportunity for the youngsters to come through the manufacturing lines and be in the spotlight.
“The U12’s introduced for the first time will be very interesting,” said Ayub, who is also the head coach of the MCC-Zayed Cricket Academy.
“This age group is certain to generate a lot of interest, particularly from parents who may be able to see the child’s talent and play a big role in his overall development.”
Making their debuts in the school competition are Al Yasmina, Al Bateen and New Indian Model School from Al Ain. Paul Stanley coach of Al Yasmina speaking to Gulf News said: “We played friendlies but haven’t played any competitive sides. This tournament will give us that chance. Our boys are very enthusiastic about cricket and we had to provide them with a platform. I think this tournament would do wonders for them. We have fielded teams in the U-12, U-14 and U-16 categories.”
