Hamid Rana YANBU — Al-Ghamdi Cricket Club of EPCA emerged the Moneygram Cricket Ke Badshah champion at the Royal Commission Cricket Ground here recently. The champion team from the Eastern Province, Al-Ghamdi, defeated Dopco Stars of WPCA in a close contest to claim the prestigious trophy and a cash award of SR10,000. Legendary Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram graced the occasion and distributed the prizes at a ceremony attended by hundreds of cricket lovers who thronged the stadium to get a glimpse of the legend. The tournament was sponsored by Moneygram express payment service under the auspices of Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC). Ananth Srivatsa, Marketing Director, MESA; Yousaf Tarrek, Corridor Manager, MEPA; John Clayman, representative of the sponsor; and Nadeem Nadwi, CEO, SCC; witnessed the exciting finale of the tournament which capped with a last ball six that decided the champion. The ceremony was also attended by Royal Commission officials Abdul Jabbar, Director Social Services Department; and Khalid Harrah, Section Manager. In a tense and tactical final, Dopco Stars who were put into bat by Al-Ghamdi CC, smacked sixes in the opening over. Al-Ghamdi, however, succeeded in building up pressure and got Shoaib Ali for 10. Afaq hammered 18 runs in just 4 balls with two sixes and pushed the team tally to a fighting 58. Captain Shahbaz scored 22 off 15 balls. In reply, Al-Ghamdi began with a bang by pounding 22 runs in the first over. Qamar Abbas blasted 30 in just 13 balls.
But the introduction of spinners changed the complexion of the game and pressure mounted as Afaq captured 2 wickets on successive deliveries. Shoaib and Shahbaz took 1 each.
But that was not enough to derail Al-Ghamdi which bounced back into the game. The last batsman Raheel whacked the final ball for a six when 3 runs were required, triggering the celebration. Soon after the final chief guest Akram distributed the prizes. All-rounder Qamar Abbas underlined his reputation by winning the Best All-Rounder award of the tournament. He was the leading scorer and wicket-taker in the champions' league. Nasir Abbasi of Riyadh was selected as the Best Batsman, while Afaq of WPCA was adjudged the Best Bowler. Special awards were also presented to Sadiqul Islam, Hamid Rana, Rahat Ali Choudhry, Murali Dasan and Farook Khatri from SCC and Moneygram. Speaking on the occasion, Akram said he enjoyed being in the Kingdom and was delighted to watch fine performances here. He also praised SCC and Moneygram for creating cricket atmosphere at a national level.
He urged cricketers not to miss any opportunity and grab every chance thrown at them. Srivatsa appreciated the efforts of SCC and the regional cricket associations in making the Moneygram Cricket Ke Badshah tournament a great success. He confirmed the Moneygram sponsorship for the year 2014 and 2015 on a larger scale. The event was covered by television channel ICC Cricket 360, which telecast a weekly program providing the latest cricket news, off-field features and interviews. The show covers almost all aspects of world cricket and is televised by 11 different broadcasters in 110 countries.
