QCA gear up to host first T20 Gulf Cricket Championship

The Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) is gearing up for another robust cricket season, starting with the hosting of the first T20 Gulf Cricket Championship in Doha from September 15-23. Six nations – Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and hosts Qatar – will be featuring in the championship.
Speaking to the media following a preparatory meeting, QCA CEO Khaled al-Suwaidi said that arrangements have been completed to host the tournament for the first time in Qatar at the West End International Cricket Stadium. He also informed that the championship will be broadcast live to more than nine countries.
“This cricket tournament will be a milestone in the region and is expected to achieve great development of this sport in the region,” he stressed.
Al-Suwaidi explained the hosting of the T20i Gulf Cricket Championship will rotate annually between the GCC countries and it is expected to be distinguished due to the distinguished achievements and rising stature of the Gulf teams in recent years. The championship will be held under the auspices of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and in accordance with international laws of the game.
Following the T20i Gulf Championships, four nations – Qatar, Kuwait, Maldives and Saudi Arabia will be involved in ICC Qualifiers – also to be held in Qatar from September end.
The championship will also kick start a busy season of cricket in Qatar. QCA is engaging in robust preparations under the patronage and guidance of association president Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saoud al-Thani.
Christopher Raja, Director of Youth Tournaments, QCA, informed that Qatar will also host the ICC deaf world cup – DICC T20 World Cup Qatar 2023 for the first time in the country from December 1-12 with the participation of eight nation.
Raja also informed that Qatar’s domestic season has also been revamped and now has a top tier Pro League T20, and a Premier Division with teams from 1-7 divisions.
“All these matches are held at the Mesaieed Cricket Grounds and are also streamed live on YouTube and other platforms. We have been receiving a large following from within Qatar and outside of these matches. We also have an App which provides the latest scores,” he said.
QCA’s Technical Expert Manzoor Ahmad revealed that Qatar’s women’s cricket team will soon be leaving for Malaysia to play in the ICC women’s qualifiers. “There have been good training sessions and we hope that our teams will do well in all the tournaments ahead this season,” said Ahmad. “We also had a programme for umpires and scorers recently and the QCA is looking to have a strong cricketing base in the region,” he added.
Qatar soon after the FIFA World Cup had staged the Legends Cricket League tournament in Doha which saw big crowds and huge worldwide viewership.
QCA CEO Khaled al-Suwaidi informed that the Legends Cricket League will be back again later this year. “It is entertaining cricket comprising former stars and is hugely popular among expats in Qatar and we hope we continue to stage it so that young upcoming players in Qatar are inspired,” he said.