Dubai Shipping Trophy 2025 where ‘shipping meets cricket’ launched

By K.R. Nayar 

Dubai, a city that has turned its coastlines into corridors of global trade, is not just a business hub — it’s the beating heart of the world’s shipping industry. With its strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities, Dubai has long been a bridge between oceans, and this powerful industry has contributed immensely to the UAE’s growth and international reputation. A cricket tournament for those who have ensured that this sector remains vibrant was launched at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Saturday, October 25, with a colourful ceremony for 32 teams, titled Sveston London presents ‘Dubai Shipping Trophy 2025’.

 

Aman Maulvi, Director of the tournament and of Inter Globe Marine—a shipping company that has won many domestic tournaments over the years—addressing the huge gathering, said: “This is not just another cricket tournament but a celebration of the Shipping and Maritime community to foster camaraderie and sportsmanship and to keep the industry active.”

Aman Maulvi, Director of the tournament and Inter Globe Marine with Syed Anees Anwer, Global Head of Sveston 

To bolster the theme of this tournament, which is “where shipping meets cricket,” he urged everyone to “play fair and play hard.” With this objective in mind, the organisers invited two cricketers who have come up the hard way and continue to carry the spirit of cricket, playing hard, playing fair, and playing with joy. Imran Tahir, the legendary South African leg-spinner, who was born in Lahore and has worked hard to be a match winner with 293 international cricket wickets, and Junaid Siddique, the UAE pacer who once had to borrow Dh 10 to stay on in this country and who, in the recent ILT20 auction, was bought for USD 170,000., were there to inspire the teams. Their stories added depth and emotion to the function — proof that grit, no matter where it comes from, can rise to greatness.

 

Imran Tahir, Aman Maulvi and Junaid Siddique address the gathering

The entire function was interestingly anchored by renowned radio presenter Vivek Sanil, popularly known as RJ Vicky. He began the event with a unique playful “pass the ball” act, where a ball was passed through the audience with music playing in the background. When the music stopped, whoever had the ball at that moment had to answer a question. The interesting part was that all those who got the ball answered his questions correctly, revealing that it was a cricket-knowledgeable crowd!

 

Imran Tahir, Aman Maulvi and Latif Khan 

Also present at the function was Latif Khan, known for his organisational skills, who had earlier staged the 10PL tennis ball cricket tournament—which later came to be known as the World Cup of tennis ball cricket—with a whopping prize money of Dh 1.3 million. Khan believes that the first edition of this event will be a huge success. He said: “Cricketers have always welcomed well-organised events that make them feel special, and that is the aim of this event too.”

 

Ramesh of Capeline, sponsor of the trophy, with Aman Maulvi, Imran Tahir and Junaid Siddique after unveiling the trophy 

One of the evening’s most captivating moments was the unveiling of a breathtaking trophy — a gleaming sculpture featuring a sailing ship that symbolised both the sea and the spirit of competition. Imran Tahir, expressing his delight over the launch of such a tournament, revealed that he had played for Inter Globe Marine (IGM) in domestic cricket decades ago. “I am grateful to Amman bhai (brother) for having got me to play here for the first time. This kind of tournament can also lead to shipping companies recruiting cricketers. Though I played for South Africa, it was while playing for IGM in the past that I got to play with players like Junaid from Pakistan”.

 

Imran Tahir with Aman Maulvi, Abdul Khaliq, owner of Lancia Shipping LLC and his son Fouzan

Siddiqui then answered queries from the audience about his performance during the recent Asia Cup. “My best wicket among all those I took was that of India’s Abhishek Sharma. I am also happy that I bagged four wickets against Pakistan.” He too wished the tournament a great success.

 

Aman Maulvi receives his Inter Globe Marine's team jersey from Junaid Siddique 

All team captains were presented with their team jerseys as their photographs and team names were displayed on the huge screen, making everyone feel special. The vibrant colours of the jerseys added even more life to the colourful function. 

 

The 32 teams divided into eight groups 

This tournament will be a two-day event on November 1 and 2, 2025, at the DCS You Select Arena in Sharjah. This spacious venue has many wickets, and is among the most popular grounds in UAE’s domestic cricket. All matches will be played from morning till late into the night. The 32 teams have been divided into eight groups of four teams each.

For the organisers, however, the true essence of the Dubai Shipping Trophy lies beyond the scoreboard. During these two days, all participating teams will play hard and play with pride and aim to win, but what will truly matter is the bond they build and the memories they create. These will be the days when those who work on the decks of ships will move to dugouts.

 

The contest for this trophy will be held on November 1 and 2

Aman Maulvi’s concluding remark about the tournament says it all: “It is not our trophy; it belongs to all the shipping companies here.” A perfect line to end an evening where industry met inspiration, and cricket sets sail on a new voyage of unity, joy, and sport.