Ajman: It was a day full of fantastic cricket, International Players, players from IPL and Ranji, day long electrifying matches, hatrick sixes and wickets, celebrations by the winning teams, music, DJ, live commentary and presence of Ex MP and Former Indian Captain Mohd. Azaruddin made cricket lovers of Middle East a day to remember. This was the scene at the inaugural Friends Dubai KPL 2015 for NRI’s played at Hamariya Grass Grounds, Ajman here on 27 March with teams from UAE, Qatar and KSA played the best cricket to win the coveted KPL Trophy and a cash prizes of over Rs. 5 lakh.
Sheikh Mohammed Sharif, Managing Director of Kushi Medical Centre, Mangalore a unit of Kushi Group of Companies, UAE was the main sponsor for the tournament.
During the 16 hours day and night matches played between 12 super teams of middle east Almuzain Qatar, Kushi Cricketers, Chilly Willy, Group Cricket Club Petromann, Bluesea Samurais, Cricket Eleven Warriors, Shanan Star, Evergreen Sports, Al Falah Cricket Club Saudi Arabia, Surathkal Stars, Oxford Marine, Amaco Saudi Arabia, 8 teams qualified from the league round for the quarter finals and then 4 teams for the Semi Finals. It was then Surathkal Stars won against Group Cricket Eleven Petroman and Al Muzain won against Evergreen Cricketers to enter the Finals.
In the tough fought Finals Al Muzain won against Surathkal Stars to become the Champions. First batting Al Muzain scored 22 for 3 wickets in the restricted overs. In response Surathkal Stars could score only 15 for three and losing the match. They emerged as the runners up of the tournament.
The day long tournament continued with running commentary by experts including the Kannada commentary expert Vinod Shetty. UAE national team player Mr. Krishna Karate, IPL Rajasthan Royals Players Mr. Kamran Khan also were part of the playing teams. The tournament was refried by Umpires from Dubai Cricket Council.
Earlier during the Inauguration Friends Dubai President Mr. Sadeeq Kaup thanked all the teams for their support and requested all to play with sportsmanship spirt. Friends Dubai Vice President Mr. Abdul Gafoor Farangipet, Secretary Mr. Sadaf, Committee members Mr. Avil Pinto, Mr. Praveen Acharya, Mr. Cleevan Mendonca, Mr. Althaf Ganjimutta, Mr. Ijaz Honnala, Mr. Tanver Kazi and Mr. Haneef were present.
The awarding ceremony was graced by Ex MP and Former Indian Captain Mr. Mohd. Azaruddin, Sheikh Mohammed Sharif, Managing Director of Kushi Medical Centre, Mangalore a unit of Kushi Group of Companies, UAE who was the main sponsor for the tournament, Haji Abdul Rahaman, Chairman, Oxford Marine Dubai, which is the Gold Sponsor, Officials from Sharjah Police Dept. and Support Sponsors.
During the event a special 5 feet winners and 4.5 feet runners up trophies weighing 30 kgs along with other trophies specially flown in from India were handed over to the winning teams Al Muzain and Surathkal Stars. Mr. Anfal of Surathkal Stars was adjudged the best batsman of the tournament, Mr. Aftab of Al Muzain was the best bowler of the tournament, Mr. Imran of Al Muzain was the Man of the Match in Finals, Mr. Nitin of Evergreen was awarded the best player of the Tournament.
