By Abdul Khader Mochery

JEDDAH — The 10th Tellicherrry Cricket Forum (TCF) Floodlit Softball Cricket Tournament will be conducted at BMT Ground on Sitteen Street in Bani Malik from March 1 to 29.

This was announced by TCF officials at a press conference attended by representatives from sponsors here.

Amar Khalid (Asencia Diabetic Care), Rifas K.M. (Bupa), Reehan Backer (Kool Design) and Firoz (Tamer) attended the press meet representing sponsors.

The winner’s trophy is being named FSN-TCF Champions Trophy 2019 and the event is co-sponsored by Bupa Arabia, Kool Dezign, Tamer, Ascencia, Abeer Umrah Services and Prime Express.

Twelve teams have been selected to participate in this tournament, which includes Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan players. The teams will be divided into four groups of three teams. Each team will have three matches in league round with Pool A teams playing with Pool B and Pool C with Pool D. Best two teams from either sections (A and B, C and D) will be qualified for the semifinals and then the grand final.

TCF has been organizing this annual tourney for the last 10 years and it has become very popular among sports-loving expat communities which include Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Sri Lankans.

The BMT ground is now well equipped with big pavilion, players dugouts and spacious gallery for spectators.

Most of the clubs are finding it difficult to keep their players with them due to the present situation here. But still they are lauding the efforts of this cricket-mad group and TCF thanks its sponsors, media, teams and cricket fans for its success.

Apart from FSN Champions Trophy and TCF runner-up trophies, various other prizes will be given to the players such as Man of the Match award for all matches, best batsman, best bowler, Man of the Series, best fielder, best all-rounder, best wicketkeeper, fastest fifty/century along with Bupa Spirit of the Game award for a team which shows utmost sportsman-spirit and discipline.

There will be also fun games and instant cricket quiz during the match breaks and winners will get gifts. Also at stake are exciting prizes and other bumper gifts for spectators, including air tickets sponsored by Al-Faris and Ali Reza Travels.

The teams are: Tamer, Nesma Airlines Cricket Club, Timex KKR, Al-Max, Young Star Cricket Club, Tuskers, Warriors, My Own KPL, Friday Stallions, Kayani XI, Royal Fighter and Bupa.

A grand opening ceremony is being planned with teams parade accompanied by TCF kids and colorful cultural programs. A separate room has been set up for media with internet connection to send live reports and photos from the ground. All match results with photos and videos will be updated on TCF Facebook page.

President Shahanad welcomed the gathering and delivered TCF activities, General Secretary Zafeel Backer introduced and briefed about the sponsors, Convener Riyaz detailed on the tournament format and Media Coordinator Abdul Khader Mochery proposed a vote of thanks.

Other TCF executive members attended the conference were Shamseer, Ajmal Nazeer Thanzeem and Razik.