By Riyaz Abdul Khader JEDDAH — Tellicherry Cricket Forum (TCF) celebrated its 10th year of inception in connection with the TCF-FSN 10th Champions Trophy 2019 here. The event witnessed a variety of programs like honoring TCF chief patrons, playing a video depicting the 10-year history of TCF, cutting a cake, ramp walk by TCF members and team captains during their introduction, pool and fixture draw, digital launching of TCF-FSN champion's and runner-up trophies and music concert. It was graced by prominent guests from various sectors in Jeddah along with captains of participating teams, sponsors, media and organizing team members. This tournament is being held under the patronage of Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC). ACC/ICC certified umpires panel, nominated by SCC, will be supervising the matches. SCC officials Sadequl Islam (manager cricket affairs), Ifthekar Hussain (management advisor), Qasim Naqvi (executive advisor), Mirza Kashif Baig (umpires educator), Abdul Sattar Babu (umpire) and Ayaz Irfanuddin (umpire) graced the ceremony. TCF founding member Ali CCO and other chief patrons Faheem, Anwar Sadath TM, Mohammed Nabeel, Anwar Sadath VP, Mohammed Faseesh and Tajmal Babu Adiraja were honored by TCF President Shahanad Oliyat by playing a short video. TCF media head Abdulkhader Mochery played a short video of TCF history since 2009. FSN Champions Trophy, TCF Runner-up Trophy and 10th year Special Trophy were unveiled by TCF crew, Shahanad (president) Zafeel Backer (general secretory) Shamseer Oliyat (chief coordinator). Saudi national player Shamsuddin Manjeri was honored by TCF for his splendid performance in the final against Qatar which helped Saudi Arabia win the ACC T20 Western Region Tournament in Oman. Shahanad and Backer handed over a memento to Shamsuddin. He is also participating in TCF tourney for Timex KKR. Live pool draw was done in front of the audience and the fixture was displayed on the giant screen immediately after the draw. The tournament rules and regulations were discussed and TCF technical team replied to the queries from captains. The 12 teams have been placed in four groups of 3 teams each. After the preliminary league matches of 10 overs each, the two top teams from groups (A-B and C-D) will qualify for the semifinals. The 12 over-a-side final will be on March 29. Groups: Pool A — Young Star, Royal Fighter and Tamer. Pool B — Timex KKR, Nesma Airlines Cricket Club and Bupa Arabia. Pool C — Al-Max Cricket Club, Hamenfaiz and MyOwn KPL XI. Pool D — Kayani Cricket Club, Tuskers and Friday Stallions. The inaugural match on March 1 will be between Tamer and Nesma Airlines CC at 5. 45 p.m. at BMT floodlit ground in Bani Malek on Sitteen Street. The main trophy is named after main sponsor FSN. Bupa Arabia, Ascensia, Kool Design, Abeer Umrah Services, Prime Express and Masum Logistics are the co-sponsors. Event started with Qiraath by Zainal Abid and secretary Backer welcomed the guests. Presidential speech was delivered by Shahanad. Tournament Chief Coordinator Shamseer Oliyat concluded the event. TCF organizing members Ajmal Nazeer and Jazim Haris anchored the ceremony.
