Set to host its 46th edition, the Bukhatir League holds great significance in the history of world cricket

 By K.R. Nayar

The Bukhatir League is nearing its half century. It has earned a special place in world cricket, but the significance of this event has yet not been appreciated. The fact that the event has been held in a non-Test playing country for so long makes it an event that deserves mention in the records of cricket history books and hailed as a major sporting achievement

The Sharjah Cricket Council is set to stage the 46th edition of the Bukhatir League at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from February 5, 2021.  I have had the honour of having reported this tournament continuously from its 18th edition and consider it important that the significance of this event is brought to the fore. 

This league is not just one among the many cricket tournaments that are held around the world. To stage a tournament consistently for close to nearly half of a century itself makes it one of the elite tournaments in the world. Those who have played in it can proudly say that they have been part of an event that has exhibited remarkable consistency, just like the consistency seen in legendary batsmen. It not only represents this country’s devotion towards the game but also lives on as a symbol of passion for the game among the fans in the UAE. 

Abdul Rehman Bukhatir used to play in this league named after him

It is very likely that even those who have played in this league are not aware of the significance of this tournament. What stands out is the fact that some of the Test-playing nations too, do not have a domestic tournament that has been held for 45 years! Today, it is the oldest tournament staged by an International Cricket Council’s associate member nation. A big salute to Abdul Rehman Bukhatir who made cricket blossom in the desert and on whose name this tournament is held.  He proved to the world that both domestic tournaments and international cricket can flourish in the desert. It was his belief that got Sharjah Cricket Stadium the honour of having hosted the maximum One Day International matches in cricket history. The roots of this monumental achievement, which now figures in the Guinness Book of World Records, lies in the Bukhatir League. It started nearly a decade before the first ever One Day International was staged at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in 1984 through the Asia Cup.

Now that 45 years have passed since the first ball was bowled in the Bukhatir League, its significance is on par with the reputed tournaments held in Asian countries, especially India and Pakistan. India’s oldest domestic league is Mumbai’s Kanga League that began in 1948 and stands ahead with its 73 years old history. Pakistan’s Quaid –e- Azam Trophy was first played as the 1953-54 season, and is now 58 years old.

The charm of Bukhatir League is that many who played in these tournaments as youngsters and have narrated tales from their matches to their children can watch their sons play in the league's matches held now.  Every youngster who has played in this tournament should be proud of the fact that it is a tournament that has its origins even before they were born. 

It must be nostalgic for all those who played in its first edition way back in 1974-75 in the Al Khan area on the Dubai-Sharjah highway.  Those days it was played on cement tracks on sandy ground near the present Safeer Mall in Al Khan before it progressed to a turf wicket at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in 1981.

Most players from the first edition are said to have returned to their home countries but the sweet memories of the intense battles they fought in these matches would still live with them.  Teams that did well in past were Dubai Bank, Galadari Brothers, Sharjah Club, Valikas CC, Al Shaab Club, Conforce, Eastern, Lanka Lions, Dulsco, and Bank of Oman. The Sharjah Club led by Abdul Rehman Bukhatir used to dominate this league. In the earlier days, all matches were played during the day and were then played under floodlights at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from February 2008.

It’s time the Bukhatir League gets mentioned in cricket history books.  It deserves pride of place as one of UAE’s great sporting achievements and honoured as a major historical sporting event.