Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Aug 17: The most exciting labour cricket initiative undertaken by soft drinks manufacturer Sprite for the labour force in the UAE has now reached the last four stage.
After a series of selection trials among the labourers in various camps, there were 8 camp teams selected. These teams then played in a round robin format with 4 teams in each group. From the round robin matches in both the groups, Al Jaber, Arabtec, Dutco and Dulsco qualified to reach the last four stage. Teams which did not qualify for the last four stage were ETA Ascon, Al Nabuda, Al Habtoor and Al Futtaim who were unlucky despite good performances.
In the first semi finals, Al Jaber will meet Dulsco and Arabtec will play with Dutco in the second semi finals on Sept.16 at the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Winners of both these semi finals will play the finals on the same night. All the labourers from the respective teams are expected to attend the grand matches. The winning team will awarded trophies plus air tickets for all the players to their home destination.
The tournament was played in the T10 format and was enjoyed by all. Players from the labour camps were from various natalionaties like Afghanisatan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. One could even see some Filipinos trying their hand at bowling during the selection trials at the camps.
All the camp teams were given prominent players from the UAE who were their respective coaches helping them with preparations for their matches. Coaches who assisted have been former players playing top cricket back home in Pakistan and India.
The project had Denzil Fernandes as the Cricket Consultant overseeing the entire activity with the 8 camp teams and the selection of players and picking coaches for the cricket activity. Denzil Fernandes was also the Tournament Director of the Dubai Super Sixes held last year at the Dubai Cricket Stadium with 8 international players taking part for various teams.
It was indeed a great initiative by Sprite to spread cricket among the labour force of UAE. The workers were indeed excited to participate with all players being given playing kits, coloured clothing and bags for being selected for their teams. The activity had the blessings of the Ministry of Labour and was undertaken by AMP Marketing Plus of Dubai.