The richest ever gully cricket (Street Cricket) tournament – The 10PL – was launched at a gala function held at the Hyatt Regency on Friday evening.
Former Pakistan opener Imran Nazir was among the several dignitaries present during the launch.
The tournament will be held under the aegis of Sharjah Cricket Council at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium from November 29 to December 2 under lights.
Former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag will be the brand ambassador for the event which carries a prize money of Dh250,000 dirhams and will consist of 16 teams for its inaugural edition.
Sehwag sent a message of support through a video from India that was displayed on a giant screen. He will be present on the final day of the event on December 2 to present the awards for the winners and outstanding performers.
The tournament, which is being organised by Petromann, a UAE-based oil and gas company, will be sponsored by Danube, Domino & Sveston watches, Lama Tours, Pocari Sweat, Pacific Ventures, Radio4 89.1 FM, Tools Marcom and Delhi Darbar. Cricon are the event consultants.
Nazir said: “I have played a lot of gully cricket in Pakistan and I’m sure lot of people can easily relate themselves to this format. I’m happy to see the street cricket being held at this level attracting international teams and also offering a huge cash prize.”
The groupings were done during the event where 16 teams from the UAE, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the UAE, were divided into four groups.
Group A consists of Pacific Ventures, Yash Bisya Lions (Oman), Eastern Blues (Saudi Arabia) and Globe West Star Shipping, while Group B has Team Petromann, Al Falah Cricket Club (Saudi Arabia), Amaco Warriors (Saudi Arabia) and Shehenshah Warriors (Pakistan). Group C includes OCC Kerala (Saudi Arabia), Hanan Cricket Club (Qatar), SKC Goa (India) and Radio4 89.7FM while Group D is made of Friday Chargers (Abu Dhabi), Eleven Warriors, SAB Warriors (Saudi Arabia) and Alliance Freelance (Qatar).
Abdul Latif Khan, Chairman 10PL and Petromann Events, said: “We are delighted to organise this high profile tournament. We have received a huge support from everywhere and we are thankful to all those who are involved in this inaugural edition. We want to thank our sponsors who have played a big role in helping us organise this tournament in a big way. The winning team will earn Dh115,000 while the runners up will win Dh60,000. We want to make this bigger and better and plan to have more teams in the future.”
Managing Director of Danube, Anis Sajan said he was happy to be part of such a great and unique event.
“I’m happy to see a different kind of format happening in the UAE. We are always there to support events which are unique and helps the growth of the game.”
The four-day event will also have activities for families and spectators. Entry for all the matches is free.