Sharjah: The Sharjah Cricket Council (SCC), which has many firsts to their credit through the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in world cricket, will now host a six-a-side tournament for the first time. This tournament, to be held on the lines of the famous Hong Kong Sixers, will be contested by corporate and club teams from the UAE and abroad.
Pakistan’s legendary pacer Waqar Younis, who was named as the brand ambassador of the tournament, launched the Sharjah Sixes logo at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday, along with Waleed Bukhatir, member of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), vice-chairman of SCC, chairman of Al Dhaid Cricket Village and ECB Domestic Cricket Development Committee, and Mazhar Khan, the secretary of SCC and Administrator of ECB.
Speaking after the launch, Younis said: “My attachment with Sharjah goes a long way as I grew up here as child and I am willing to do anything for the progress of the game here. So when the SCC officials approached me to be its brand ambassador, I readily agreed. I am keen to see more international cricket being played at this venue as Sharjah has always produced a lot of interest for the game.”
The tournament will be held from April 29 to May 11 with over 48 teams expected to take part. A prize money of Dh100, 000 is on offer and match highlights will be telecast on Ten Sports.
Acknowledging Younis’ support, Bukhatir said: “It is a proud moment for SCC to have Younis as brand ambassador, who has a special attachment to this venue. Out of his 416 one-day wickets, he bagged 114 wickets at this stadium. SCC will be committed to the participating teams and provide facilities to play in this venue, which has clinched a place in the Guinness World Records. When Sharjah, Younis and television join hands for an event it is bound to be a success.”
The SCC announced that the Super Sixes will be an annual event. Talking about the prospects of the event, Khan said: “Sharjah Sixes will be one of our prime tournaments. The matches will be held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with eight to nine matches every day. The rules like bowling run up being limited to ten yards will apply. Considering the size of the stadium, eight fielders will be permitted though only six can bat and bowl.”
