Wasim Akram launches mega 10PL 2018 in the UAE
Updated - 01 Mar 2018, 07:37 PM
Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram has launched the tennis ball tournament on Wednesday (March 1). The tournament will run through March 19 and 23 respectively at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Interestingly, the veteran all-rounder Akram was also named as the brand ambassador of the tennis-cricket league.
“I am delighted to be the Ambassador of the 10PL cricket tournament,” Akram was quoted by Emirates 24/7 .
So much so, the legendary left-arm fast-bowler also unveiled the jersey. The fresh league will house as many as 16 teams. It has also released the tournament anthem.
The tennis ball cricket is an instant hit across the neighbouring countries like India, Bangladesh and Pakistan in particular.
It has been simultaneously witnessed in the congealed maidans – to become the highlight of the childhood cricket for the professionals in nutshell.
“All of us in the subcontinent have grown up playing tennis ball cricket on the streets,” Akram said.
Akram expressed it would play an important role in shaping up young cricketers.
Owing to the eagerly-awaited competition, many believe the tournament spread our four-day will spring a surprise or so.
The day-long event has been held at the posh Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City. Moreover, the 51-year-old Lahore-based Akram spoke to the gathering regarding the importance impending league.
“This tournament promises to be the perfect platform for raw talents to showcase what they are capable. I wish all the participating teams all the very best,” Wasim Akram added.
The inaugural edition of the league had already witnessed former Pakistan gloveman, Zulqarnain Haider. This time around, Imran Nazir from Pakistan and Thilan Thushara, Chamara Silva are expected to feature in the league.
Kamran Khan featured for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals. He is also expected to feature in the draft. However, Ranji-based players are also listed in the competition.
All 16 teams have been subsequently divided into four groups to make the short-paced contest equally fascinating.
Interestingly, the idea of 10PL was floated by Petromann Events – UAE-based Company.
The cricketer-turned-coach Akram will also make an appearance for the grand finale. The competition is being held under the guidance of Waleed Bukhatir, who is the supremo for Sharjah Cricket Council.
“We had been inundated with requests from teams to register for the event. Needless to say we have had a tough task narrowing down to the final 16 sides. We are very thankful to Waleed Bukhatir for his leadership at the Sharjah Cricket Council,” the chairman of Petromann Abdul Latif Khan asserted.
After launching the league, the prize money for the winning team will collect AED 250,000. It is also said to be the highest award for the tennis ball cricketing competition.
“I am confident that the second edition will reach even bigger heights,” Latif stated.
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