Domestic cricket in the UAE experienced a significant boost on Sunday with the introduction of a new 100-ball tournament. In partnership with the Sharjah Cricket Council and the Emirates Cricket Board, Petromann Sports Management unveiled the Elite Corporate Cricket Bash, set to commence this November. The tournament, featuring 12 corporate teams, will provide local talents with the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in cricket's latest format, where each team will play 100 balls per innings. Scheduled to take place over 10 days at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the event boasts a prize pool of Dh1.3 million, with organizers anticipating a viewership exceeding 300 million across digital platforms.
Legendary cricket coach Dav Whatmore has been appointed as an advisor for this ambitious tournament, designed to enhance the skills of local players. "The ECCB is a valuable addition to our cricket calendar and aligns with our broader vision of nurturing local talent and expanding the player base in the UAE. By offering corporate entities the chance to participate in cricket, we are cultivating a passion for the sport while providing a stage for talented individuals to excel," stated Mubassher Usmani, General Secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board. Waleed Bukhatir, Vice Chairman of Sharjah Cricket Stadium, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the new tournament.
"Sharjah has consistently been a leader in cricketing innovation. With the ECCB, we continue our tradition by hosting a tournament that not only unites corporate teams but also elevates the standard of domestic cricket in the UAE," Bukhatir said. "We are eager to witness how this event reshapes the cricketing landscape and supports budding talent." Abdul Latif Khan, Founder of Petromann Sports Management, envisioned the tournament setting new benchmarks in domestic cricket.
"The ECCB symbolizes the future of domestic cricket in the UAE. Our goal is to blend high-quality cricket with a corporate ethos, offering companies and players the opportunity to participate in a historic event that will not only foster talent but also contribute to the growth of UAE's cricket ecosystem," Khan remarked. Meanwhile, Mazhar Khan, General Manager of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, clarified that only local players are eligible to participate in the tournament. "Any player residing in the UAE with an Emirates ID can register for the tournament," Khan announced at the Sunday press conference. The organizers are set to reveal the names of two prominent cricket stars who will serve as ambassadors for the event, promoting it globally.
