Daijiworld Media Network – Sports
Dubai, Sept 26: Dubai Super Sixes 2011, one of the region’s leading cricket and lifestyle extravaganzas, returns to the UAE this December, packaged in a more progressive format and a bigger line-up of activities to celebrate the spirit of cricket in the region.
The six-a-side tournament kicks off at the Dubai Cricket Stadium on December 2 on the UAE’s 40th National Day and will witness former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram reprising his role once again as its brand ambassador.
Dubai Super Sixes 2011 will be played under the auspices of the Dubai Cricket Council and will feature some of the biggest names in international cricket from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, South Africa and Australia playing alongside 48 corporate cricket teams from the region. The event is organized in the UAE by Crayons Communications and supported by Gulf Oil, the Landmark Group and Kingfisher Airlines.
The state-of-the-art 25,000-seat Dubai International Cricket Stadium will once again be the venue for the intense action. Starting December 2nd, the qualifying rounds will be played over three weekends – Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays – with the Grand Finale being played out on December 16th.
As per the rules of this fast-paced game, each participating team should comprise 6 players, along with two substitutes, and with the opportunity to choose five neutral fielders from a large pool of players. Playing under the supervision of neutral umpires, the format requires each side to play a limited 5-over innings which they have to complete in 30 minutes.
The eight teams that reach the quarter finals stage will each be assigned a top cricket player, who will play alongside them and serve as a mentor coach.
In his statement, former Pakistani all-rounder Wasim Akram said, “The Dubai Super Sixes 2011 is a fantastic opportunity for local teams to play alongside the legends of world cricket and participate in truly world-class conditions. Traditionally, the UAE enjoys an excellent weather in December and we anticipate a bigger turnout than last year.”
The finale of Dubai Super Sixes 2010 saw Lloyds TSB beating Seven Seas Strikers A in a tense match, with every ball being cheered. Led by former Indian batsman Vinod Kambli, Lloyds TSB put in a powerful performance with both the bat and ball to defeat the Venkatesh Prasad-steered Seven Seas.
Encouraged by the success of last year’s debut tournament and high participation demand, organizers of Dubai Super Sixes 2011 have expanded the profile to include 64 teams this year, up from 48 in 2010. Crayons Communications are in the process of securing the presence of several leading cricket stars at this year’s tournament. A full list of confirmed players will be announced closer to the time of the event.
“Last year saw an overwhelming response from local teams, but we had to restrict the number to the first 48 only, due to the round robin format,” said Arshad Zaheer, Managing Director of Crayons Communication. “We would like to encourage teams to register at the earliest to avoid disappointment.”
To enter the tournament or for sponsorship opportunities or information, one can contact Tournament Manager Denzil Fernandes on 056–7093231 and 050–6586675. Participating teams will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis only.
Gulf Oil is the main sponsors while the Landmark Group is the co-sponsor and Dubai Sports City are the venue partners. Kingfisher Airlines is the Airline Sponsor, Media Rotana is the Hospitality partner, and Edward Steven & Associates are the public relations partners.
For more information one can log on to www.dubaisupersixes.com
Media Contacts:
Edward D’Mello
Senior Consultant
Edward Steven & Associates
P. O. Box 233575, Dubai, UAE
Tel: 050-6776153; Email: Edward@esapr.com