By Abdul Khader Mocheri
JEDDAH — Jotun Paints TCF Champions Trophy 2017 got off to a colorful start at BMT Ground here recently.
Chief guest Nadeem Nadwi, CEO of Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC), hit the ceremonial ball delivered by Faisal Karim, marketing manager of Jotun Paints, to officially inaugurate the tournament after a colorful and orderly march-past of 16 participating teams accompanied by TCF kids holding flags and banners during a spectacular opening ceremony.
Nadwi expressed his happiness over joining hands with TCF in developing cricket in the Kingdom and offered offer all support for TCF team in organizing the tournament successfully. He also appreciated TCF organizing committee for conducting the tournament in a professional manner for the last eight years.
Earlier, TCF President Shahanad Oliyat welcomed the guests, players, officials and cricket fans. Faisal Karim (marketing manager, Jotun Paints), Muzakir (product manager, Jotun Paints), Ali Raza Masood (head of strategy planning, Bupa Arabia), Sadequl Islam (manager, cricket affairs, SCC), Noor Mohammed (regional manager, Air India), Abdul Rahman (MD, Shifa Jeddah Clinic), Mohan Balan (managing committee member of IISJ) and Salim VP (president, TMWA) graced the opening ceremony along with other invited guests. Organizing committee member Ajmal Nazeer conducted the proceedings during the opening ceremony.
General Secretary Zafeel Backer along with Chief Coordinator Mohammed Faseesh introduced captains of 16 teams, officials and TCF organizing team to chief guest and other guests. UTSC-KPL team was awarded Best Team during the official match-past. In the inaugural match, TCF champion Young Star defeated McDonald’s by 97 runs. Qaiser, who took 5 wickets, was awarded the Man of the Match Trophy. Young Star skipper Rafaqath scored 51 runs.
In the second match, Pepsi Alliance beat Reza Cricket club by 41 runs.
Israr Baig, who recorded a hat trick and took 4 wickets, was adjudged the Man of the Match. The most thrilling match of the day between UTSC-KPL and Friday Stallions ended in a tie and UTSC-KPL downed Friday Stallions in the Super over.
After the teams tied on 90 runs, Friday Stallions scored 4 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. In return, UTSC-KPL opener Shazmeel hit the first ball for a six to take his team to victory. Shazmeel, who scored 45 runs earlier, won the Man-of-the-Match award.
In the fourth and final match of first day, Lothers Cricket Club beat Orbital Horizon by 10 wickets. Lothers hit the Orbital Horizon target of 56 in 2.1 overs. Syed Mohammed, hit 6 sixes in an over and remained unbeaten on 37, walked away with Man-of-the-Match award.
Tournament trophy is being named after main sponsor Jotun Paints. The tournament is also supported by Holiday Inn Jeddah Gateway, Turkish Airlines, Bupa Arabia, 3 Horses, Al-Hokair Group, FSN, Kool Design and Future Light.
The tournament is organized under the auspices of SCC. For the first time in the history of softball cricket, ACC/ICC certified umpires are supervising the matches.
Matches are played on Fridays and Saturdays. The final will be on Match 10.
