JEDDAH — Pakistan's most successful Test cricket captain Misbahul Haq unveiled the Saudi Cup 2016 trophy at a glittering ceremony in Jeddah recently. The tournament is being organized by Jeddah Cricket Association (JCA) and sponsored by Reel & Rom and UT Lines. A total of 27 teams are participating in the T20 event. They have been divided into 3 groups with the top 8 advancing to the knockout stage. Misbah thanked JCA for inviting him on the occasion and was surprised to see the huge Saudi Cup crown. He urged the captains of the participating teams to give their best for the passion of the sport, which will help open new avenues for them. He also wished them luck. He was happy to see cricket being organized and played in the Kingdom. Misbah said there are three pillars of cricket — organizers, players and sponsors. They all have to play their roles effectively to make it a successful project. Earlier, master of the ceremony, A.A. Merchant welcomed the guests. Among them were sponsors Franke David from Reel & Rom and Noor from UT Lines, Vice Chairman Humayun Farooq, JCA Director Samir Khan, CEO Muhammad Iqbal, President Aijaz Ahmed Khan, Vice President Hamid Rana, Executive Secretary Haroon Abdullah, executive committee members and captains of the participating teams. Iqbal briefed the audience on the salient features of the Saudi Cup. Aijaz thanked Misbah for taking the time out to attend the ceremony since he is a source of inspiration and motivation to the aspiring cricketers in the Kingdom. Hamid Rana while introducing Misbahul Haq said it is a dream come true for many in Jeddah to see their cricket hero amongst us. JCA was also grateful to Sameer Nidal Khan and Hamid Rana for their efforts in getting Misbah to come to the ceremony. JCA also saluted its bankable sponsors Ace Travel, Jotun Saudi Arabia, Kanoo, My Care & Hala, Initial Services Group, ALS Borderless Logistics, UT Lines, Reel & Rom, SIPCO (Pepsi), Khind Electronics and Mizo Juices. The association also thanked the support staff for their continued services under the watchful eyes of Haroon Abdullah, Syed Ashfaque Hussain and Zaheer Peeran.
