New Bhatkal community T20 cricket league in Ajman from January 2019

Six teams to participate in inaugural Nawayath Premier League Dubai: Exciting times are ahead for cricket enthusiasts as a new T20 tournament is all set to be held in Ajman in January, catering to the sporting needs of UAE-based expats from Bhatkal and its vicinity. Designed to be bigger and better than other similar tournaments, a group of cricket aficionados have come together to host the inaugural edition of the Nawayath Premier League (NPL). To be held from January 4, 2019 to January 25, 2019, the six team tournament will see participation of UAE-based players from Bhatkal, Shirali, Murdeshwar and Manki. According to the convenor of NPL, the league will be held at Ajman Eden Garden cricket ground, with both day and night matches to be played. “We are organising this tournament due to a public demand. Our idea is to give our young players a stage to showcase their talents in an atmosphere of mutual respect and sportsmanship,” said Shafaat Shahbandari, the NPL convenor. Urging the community members for their support and participation, he added that the ideals of fairness and professionalism will be upheld at any cost at every stage of the league. He said that the teams for the 20 over tournament will be allotted on a first-come-first-serve basis. Each team will be allowed to pick a squad of 16 players, 14 of which to be selected through a player auction. The teams will also be allowed to pick an icon and a player of owner’s choice, ahead the auction. Information about player registration, date of auction and other details of the four-week event will follow soon, the convenor added. (Bhatkallys News Bureau/ Press Release)