Ajman, Mar 30: The biggest cheers were reserved for cricket icon Mohammad Azharuddin who was one of the chief guests at the closing ceremony of the NRIs’ Karnataka Premier League cricket tournament organized by Dubai Friends in United Arab Emirates.
Azhar, looking dapper as ever, held his own throughout the glittering function attended by the hundreds of expatriates from Karnataka residing across UAE and neighboring countries. For the first time, besides UAE, teams from Saudi Arabia and Qatar also took part in expatriates’ version of KPL.
The cricketer-turned-politician was seen interacting with organizers and players till late night at Hamriya Grass Grounds, Ajman, as the event which started at 10 a.m. on March 27 concluded at 3 a.m. on March 28.
Al Muzain team clinched the NRIs’ KPL-2015 title after defeating Surathkal Stars by seven runs in a thrilling final match held under floodlight.
Al Muzain scored 22 runs losing three wickets in two overs. In its bid to chase a moderate target, Surathkal Stars managed to score only 15 runs losing three wickets in the two overs. Sandeep of Al Muazain was adjudged man of the match in the final.
Prior to this Al Muzain entered the final by defeating Evergreen Sports Team, Mangaluru in the first semi final match by eight runs. In three overs Al Muzain scored 26 runs losing one wicket. In response, the opponents could score only 19 runs losing three wickets. Raja was adjudged man of the match.
Surathkal Stars entered the final by defeating Petromann Group Cricket Club by 10 wickets in the second semi finals. Petromann scored 24 runs losing one wicket in three overs. Surathkal Stars chased the target in 2.4 overs without losing any wicket. Man of the Match was Anfal.
The former skipper also led the prize distribution ceremony. The winners were handed over a glittery trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 1,75,000 by Azhar and another chief guest Sheikh Mohammad Sharif Chairman, Khushi Group.
Runners up were also handed over a trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 by Azhar and Haji Abdul Rahman, Chairman, Oxford Marina. The two other teams defeated in semi finals also received trophies and a cash prize of Rs 20,000 each.
Sheikh Mohammed bin khalid al Qasmi, a member of UAE’s ruling family was also present as chief guest on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Gafoor Farangipete, vice President, NRIs’ KPL, said that it was the first time teams from outside the country being invited to play the hard tennis ball KPL tournament in UAE. He said that the similar events will be hosted in future too.
As many as 12 teams from Middle East took part in the day-and-night tournament. They are: Amaco, Saudi Arabia, Almuzain, Qatar, Al Falah Cricket Club, Saudi Arabia, Khushi Crickets, Dubai, Oxford Marine, Dubai, Shanan Star, Dubai, Chilly Willy, Dubai, Evergreen Sports, Mangaluru, Bluesea Samurais, Dubai, Surathkal Stars, Dubai, Petromann Group Cricket Club, Dubai and Cricket Eleven Warriors, Dubai.
The league-cum-knockout tournament was sponsored mainly by Khushi Medical Centre, Mangaluru, a unit of Khushi Group of Companies. Golden sponsors were Oxford Marina Cargo. Silver sponsors were Supreme Engineering, Riam Steel, Bluesea Samurais & Multiline, Abu Dhabi.
Programme was compered by Sabier from Red Bull. Vinod Shetty was coordinator of the event. Earlier in the day the even commenced with prayers and recitation of national anthems of Indian and UAE. Sadieq Kaup and Abdul Gafoor Farangipete welcomed the gathering.
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