Dubai: The AUZ T20 Blast Edition 3, a much-anticipated cricket extravaganza, kicked off on November 8, Saturday, with 8 talented teams competing for the coveted title. The tournament, which will conclude on November 30, has been a thrilling ride so far, with exciting matches and nail-biting moments that have kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The auction, held on October 12 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Creek Deira, saw 177 players from the UAE resident category competing for a spot in the teams. Only UAE resident visa holders were allowed to participate in this tournament, making it a truly local affair. The 8 participating teams are AUZ Challengers, Nawayath Cricketers Dubai (NCD), Rising Stars, Fab11, Haneef Warriors, Seedar Abu Dhabi, Luxury Zone, and T Party Official.
The inaugural match was played between Fab11 and Haneef Warriors, followed by 3 more matches on Sunday, setting the tone for an exciting tournament. All matches are being played on weekends only, catering to the busy schedules of office-goers and cricket enthusiasts.
The tournament got an added boost with the presence of U T Khader, the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, who was invited as a special guest. His presence added a touch of glamour to the event and highlighted the importance of sports in bringing people together.
The AUZ T20 Blast's main motive is to bring community people together, and it has successfully done so, with people from different backgrounds and ages coming together to enjoy the game. Representatives from the Bhatkal Muslim Jamaat, Dubai (BMJD), a prominent community organization, met with U T Khader and discussed various issues affecting our community back in Bhatkal.
To ensure that the excitement reaches every corner, the tournament is being live telecasted, specially catering to the people of Bhatkal, India, UAE residents, and cricket fans across the world. This will enable fans to cheer for their favorite teams and stay updated with the action.
After a thrilling league stage, the top 4 teams have qualified for the playoffs. They are AUZ Challengers, Haneef Warriors, Fab11, and Seedar Abu Dhabi. Notably, AUZ Challengers is on top of the points table, looking strong for a title win. Nawayath Cricketers Dubai (NCD), the champions of the previous two editions, unfortunately, couldn't make it to the playoffs this time around.
The final week of the tournament is here, and fans are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the tournament.
The schedule for the playoffs are as follows:
- Qualifier 1: AUZ Challengers vs Haneef Warriors on Saturday, November 29 at 8pm
- Eliminator: Fab11 vs Seedar Abu Dhabi on Saturday, November 29 at 8pm
- Qualifier 2: Sunday, 10 am
- Final: Sunday, 5pm
All matches will be played at the Malek Cricket Stadium, Ajman. Transportation is being provided for cricket lovers, making it easier for fans to catch the action live.
The tournament will offer raffle draw’s at the closing ceremony, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. The prizes include:
- 1st Prize: Burgman bike by NGT
- 2nd Prize: INR 50,000 sponsored by Safwan Kazia
- 3rd Prize: INR 25,000 sponsored by Suhail Musba
And many more prizes to be won! There will be plenty of prizes for children as well, making it fun-filled event for the whole family. Fans are encouraged to participate and stand a chance to win big!
The AUZ T20 Blast Edition 3 has been a resounding success, with exciting cricket and enthusiastic participation from the teams. The tournament has been a testament to the passion and skill of cricketers in the UAE, and the final match is expected to be a thrilling conclusion to a fantastic tournament.