Akhtar to attend Cricket Stars Finals

  • September 18, 2013, 3:19 pm
  • Sports News
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DUBAI Sept 18 (Online): Former Pakistan international cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar, has confirmed that he will attend the Sprite Cricket Stars Finals 2013 on Friday, September 20, at Dubai Cricket Stadium to witness the final matches of this year’s tournament.

This year’s tournament, for which Akhtar is an ambassador, has seen teams compete for the right to be crowned Sprite Cricket Stars Champions for the UAE, and also offers the chance for the entire community to be part of the upcoming finale event.

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Labour, and in partnership with Coca-Cola Middle East, the inaugural Sprite Cricket Stars tournament first took place in 2011, when the mission was to find the best cricketers in labour accommodations. Such was the success of the tournament that the decision was taken to open the event up to the masses, with all residents in UAE invited to compete in the 2013 games.

Over 320 players have participated in the round robin and knock-out stages of the tournament over the past five months, leaving only the best four teams to compete for the title. The Sprite Cricket Stars Finals 2013 at Dubai Cricket Stadium will be contested by the following teams: Al Futtaim Flyers (Dubai); Al Jaber Blazers (Abu Dhabi); SS Lootha Spinners (Dubai); Tellicherry Hit (Dubai).

Shoaib Akhtar, Sprite Cricket Stars ambassador, comments: “It has been a privilege to have been part of the Sprite Cricket Stars program this year, and it is an experience that I shall never personally forget. The Finals are the culmination of an enormous amount of hard work and passion from the players and organisers alike.

“Aside from the immense cricket talent that has been on display, the Sprite Cricket Stars programme has touched the lives of over 150,000 people across the UAE, from labourers to schoolchildren, and I have seen first-hand the unbelievable enthusiasm that this has generated among the communities. I’m looking forward to what should be a fantastic final event for the players and fans at the Dubai Cricket Stadium.”

Speaking about the programme, Antoine Tayyar, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Middle East, said: “We are very proud of The Sprite Cricket Stars Program because it promotes a fresh approach to exercise. This program stands for passion for sport, self-expression, and unleashing that inner spark, just like the Sprite brand itself.

“Over the past months, we are delighted to have had Shoaib on board to offer his support for a program that, judging by the reception we have seen across various communities, is going from strength to strength. Shoaib ignites the passion for cricket among his fans, and we are thrilled that he will be on hand during the Finals to make it a memorable experience for all who attend.”

Between 15,000 and 20,000 fans are expected to attend the Sprite Cricket Stars Finals 2013 at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, which will include live entertainment, raffle draws and special prize giveaways. All labour camp teams to have participated in the tournament have also been invited to attend, and special guests will also include Imad Benmoussa, General Manager of Coca-Cola Middle East.

The winning Sprite Cricket Stars team will receive Dh50,000 in prize money, with the runners-up receiving Dh25,000. Lucky winners will also be selected to face an over from Shoaib Akhtar in the nets on Finals Day.

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