Exciting cricket tournament kicks off for South Asian expatriates

Qatar Premier League recently launched season IX of its ‘Inter-Corporate Cricket Tournament’ at Barwa City grounds in a formal ceremony. Cricket is the most popular sport in the region of South Asia, rather more than a sport. For South Asians it is a part of their collective identity. As Qatar is fast becoming a sporting hub, expatriates from South Asian countries have also started taking part in such activities organised in Doha.Qatar Premier League (QPL) a group formed by South Asian workers, recently launched season IX of its ‘Inter-Corporate Cricket Tournament’ at Barwa City grounds in a formal ceremony.Considered as a prestigious event for South Asian community, QPL is sponsored by Regency Hotel Management and Regency Tours and Travels. Captains of 21 participating teams attended the inaugural ceremony. Carl Stephen, General Manager of Regency Hotel Management, was the chief guest at the event. Other prominent guests who attended the event, included N Shafiq, General Manager of Regency Travel and Tours; Mohamed Saifulla, Director of Finance at Regency Hotel; Qamar Qureshi, Chairman QPL; Mir Sohail, President QPL; Ibaad, Vice President; and Sridhar Abbagouni, Saifullah, Sharfuddin, Nayeem Qayum, Talha Maolana, board members.The expatriate workers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are taking part in the tournament that according to the organisers will go on for three months. Every team has designed and prepared its own playing kit. Fugro Strikers bagged the award for ‘Best Uniform’ at the opening ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest extended warm wishes to the players and appreciated the efforts of the organisers in promoting sports in Qatar.Shafiq said, “Sports and games are important as they help the workers relax and rejuvenate, which directly improves their productivity as far as the daily work is concerned.He added, “Sport teaches teamwork and problem-solving skills apart from having good impact on physical health. Sports boost self-esteem. We are delighted to be associated with the tournament.”Talking to Community, Siraj Ansari, QPL Founding Director and Captain of Senior Alliance, expressed his happiness over tournament’s continuous success and progress. He said that so far their journey has been very exciting. “We started with just four teams seven years ago. We have come a long way by providing teams with proper and professional pitches exclusively laid down for QPL. This year 21 teams from the subcontinent are participating. There are plenty of exciting prizes and takeaways apart from the coveted title trophy.Sohail, President of QPL, said, “Cricket which is known as a gentleman’s game in itself is a kind of sport that unites people across the borders in the subcontinent. The highlight of this season’s tournament is QPL App which is available in the play store. The App will have everything related to the tournament. The App will have updated information about the teams’ standings in the progress of the tournament, players’ positions and match schedules.”Sridhar Abbagouni, QPL board member, talking about the tournament, said, “The tournament will be played with hard cricket ball. Each team will have to ball 15 overs. We are using red ball because all the matches would be played during the day time.”“The matches will start at 8am every morning and will be continue till 5pm with one hour break from 1pm to 2pm.” He added, “The tournament will last for almost three months. We have large number of teams competing in the tournament and many players would actually be also playing for other cricket tournaments happening in Qatar,” he added. Ibaad, Vice President of QPL, said, “There are exciting prizes in different categories including man of the tournament, man of the match and the best fair play award.”WINNERS: Fugro Strikers receiving Best Uniform award from the chief guest and organisers.IN THE MAKING: Exclusive pitch in the making for ‘Inter-Corporate Cricket Tournament’ .