17 Inter-School Cricket championship, being organized by Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) as part of its “Talent Hunt” program, will begin at Iskan cricket ground Thursday. On the opening day, Pakistan International School - English Section will take on American International School and Al-Wadi International School will meet Hala International School. Junaid Iskander, President of WPCA, said that this tournament is just one of its kind in search of cricket talent that will help produce international cricketers for the Kingdom. “We plan to concentrate on schoolboys so that it will help later to build up a strong Saudi Arabia team. We also have chalked out a schedule to organize Under-15 and Under-19 tourneys,” said Iskander. “We also intend to conduct demo cricket games and quiz programs in Saudi schools.” Eight teams have confirmed participation in this event which will hold the final on Jan. 2, 2009. Sameer Khan, Director of My Care Clinic, said that they are supporting this event to promote cricket as well as to create an awareness of common diseases among schoolchildren and find remedies. Toward this, My Care will provide free medical checkup for the boys who are taking part in the tournament. The clinic will also provide the services of a doctor at the ground during the tourney with necessary medical facilities. Detailing the format Hamid Rana, Executive Advisor to WPCA from Saudi Cricket Center (SCC), said the 8 participating teams are divided into two groups. Group A: Pakistan International School - English Section, American International School, Al-Wadi International School and Hala International School. Group B: Pakistan International School (Azizia), International Indian School, Bangladesh International School and DPS Al-Fala International School. Two teams each from these groups will qualify for the semifinals after the preliminary league games. The semifinals will be played on Jan. 1. __
