UAE’s richest domestic cricket tournament launched through a 100-ball format in Sharjah

By K.R. Nayar

Petromann Sports Management is known to stage cricket events with a unique twist. The mastermind behind these innovations is Abdul Latif Khan, Founder of Petromann Sports Management. He brought tennis ball cricket to the international level through the 10PL, offering the richest prize money in this format. Now, he is set to launch Elite Corporate Cricket Bash (ECCB), a unique 100-ball format, which is likely to become one of the UAE's richest domestic tournaments, with a prize of Dh 1.3 million, at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Mazhar Khan and Dav Whatmore release the event jersey as Abdul Latif Khan and Nasir Akram look on 

This ten-day tournament will feature 12 corporate teams. Petromann Sports Management, in collaboration with the Sharjah Cricket Council and Emirates Cricket Board, has created this platform to discover emerging UAE talent. The tournament, expected to revolutionize the UAE's domestic cricket scene, will reach an audience of 300 million across digital platforms.

The team event T-shirt being presented to former UAE captain turned  coach Khurram Khan 

This tournament was officially launched in Dubai on Sunday, with Mazhar Khan, General Manager of Sharjah Cricket, former Australia player and World Cup-winning coach Dav Whatmore, and Andrew Russell, Development Manager at Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), in attendance. Whatmore, a member of the advisory board, brings his vast experience as a head coach of various T20 franchises worldwide, including leading Sri Lanka to World Cup victory in 1996.

The event's team jersey  being handed over to cricketer turned coach CTK Mashood 

After unveiling the team jerseys, Mazhar Khan said: “Any UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID can register for this tournament. It will feature day and night matches, live streaming with commentary, and exclusive corporate branding opportunities. With high-quality production and management, the ECCB is set to redefine corporate cricket in the region.”

Dav Whatmore with coaches CTK Mashood and Khurram Khan 

Waleed Bukhatir of Sharjah Cricket added: “Sharjah has always been at the forefront of cricket innovation. The ECCB continues this legacy, bringing corporate teams together while raising the standard of domestic cricket in the UAE. We’re excited to see how this event transforms the cricket landscape and supports emerging talent.”

Abdul Latif Khan elaborated on the league, stating: “The ECCB represents the future of domestic cricket in the UAE. Our goal is to combine high-quality cricket with a corporate spirit, offering companies and players a historic event that fosters talent and contributes to the growth of UAE’s cricket ecosystem. With the expertise gained from organizing the 10PL, we’re confident this tournament will set new standards.”

The dates and names of two international stars who will serve as ambassadors for the event will be announced soon.

UAE pacer Zahoor Khan receives the T- shirt 

Mubassher Usmani, General Secretary of the ECB, endorsed the initiative, emphasizing the board’s commitment to the sport's growth: “The ECCB is a valuable addition to our cricket calendar, aligning with our vision to promote local talent and expand the player base in the UAE. By engaging corporates in cricket, we nurture a love for the sport and provide a platform for talented individuals to shine.”

The launch was attended by prominent figures in UAE cricket, including Nasir Akram, former General Secretary of the ECB, and renowned cricketers turned coaches Khurram Khan and CTK Mashood, alongside top UAE cricketers.

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