Abu Dhabi: Top Teams Ready for SAARC Cricket Tournament

Media Release

ABU DHABI, Mar 24: A press meet was held as part of a glittering function at the Hotel Crowne Plaza, Abu Dhabi, to announce the oncoming SAARC UAE Exchange & Xpress Money Cup 2009 under the auspicious support of Abu Dhabi Cricket Council, one of the biggest sporting extravaganzas to take place in the country. During the function, the logo for the tournament was also unveiled to the media.

Among the attendees where the Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Chairman of SAARC Club-UAE, J M J P Bandara, Ambassador of India, His Excellency Talmiz Ahmed, Ambassador of Pakistan, Khurshed Ahmed Junejo, Ambassador of Bangladesh, Mohammad Nazmul Quaunine, Ambassador of Nepal, Arjun Bahadur Thapa; and Ambassador of Afghanistan, Abdul Farid Zikria, Padma Shri Dr. B R Shetty, MD & CEO of UAE Exchange & Xpress Money, and Y Sudhir Kumar Shetty, COO-Global Operations, Bilawar Mani, The President of Abu Dhabi Cricket Council.

Talking to press personnel during the event, Chairman of SAARC CLUB – UAE, J M J P Bandara said that the SAARC Cup aims to express solidarity with the expatriate community in the UAE. He said that the event would be unique as it brings together the best sporting talents in the country representing the four major expatriate communities. He emphasized that during the day-long event, public will also be entertained by a host of cultural events that would help bring the community together. 

The tournament which is to be held on May 15, 2009 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium will have teams from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka competing for the coveted SAARC title. 

With this match, SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) aims to bring together the expatriates by providing them a common platform to enjoy the spirit of trust and friendship. This SAARC initiative is supported by UAE Exchange and Xpress Money, the leading global remittance brands based in the country.

In a statement to the press, Dr. B R Shetty said “SAARC has been a strong advocate for the empowerment of South Asian communities for a long time. Indians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans form a major part of the expatriate community in the UAE. 

“As brands close to the hearts of all communities in UAE and beyond, we think that this association with SAARC would help us reach out to our communities more, and help drive the message of social harmony. We are happy to invite you for the event to experience how sports can bring about a positive change in the lives of people.”

Y Sudhir Kumar Shetty, COO & General Manager of UAE Exchange, expressed his gratitude to the respective embassies of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka for co-hosting the event. He said: “It has been our constant endeavor to make the lives of customers easy and offer them the best service. We are committed to serve the community and support initiatives that bring about a social transformation. SAARC is a non-profit organization that has been the harbinger of social change in South Asia. With this event, we aim to foster greater mutual trust and friendship within the expatriate community.”

For more information, contact corporate.communications@uaeexchange.com