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On Friday Jan. 13, after several years of delay beyond its control, the Emirates Cricket Board will launch its franchised T20 Tournament at Dubai International Stadium.
Titled the DP World ILT20, the tournament features six teams competing for a place in the final on Feb. 12. A few days prior to the opening match, I was able to conduct a question-and-answer session with ECB General Secretary Mubashshir Usmani, who is also an associate member representative on the International Cricket Council’s chief executives’ committee.
During the exchange, he outlined his hopes and aspirations for the tournament, for cricket in the UAE and for associate members in general.
Jon Pike: One of the guiding principles of DP World ILT20 is that it provides a platform to develop local talent. How will this be manifested?
Mubashshir Usmani: At its heart, the DP World ILT20 is focused on a sustainable model for UAE Cricket — development and financial. The league, as a first step, has recently agreed to fund the first-year central contracts for the UAE women’s team and also pick up the cost of a fulltime women development officer. Development programs have been committed to by the franchisees annually and will have significant impact on UAE cricket and will save funds that would otherwise have to be spent.
There are very clear goals that, by the sanctioning, the Emirates Cricket Board wants fulfilled and we are committed to fulfilling these. Once we have delivered a successful year-one, a women’s professional league is something that we would be interested in incorporating into the league in the years to come.
JP: In its inaugural year, the league has attracted players mainly from England, West Indies and Afghanistan, with each team allocated four UAE players, two of whom must play in each match. The fact that nine playing members in each team will be from overseas has attracted criticism from full ICC members. How this has been dealt with?
MU: The number of overseas players in a league is arbitrary. Yes, you will hear differing views on what is the right number of overseas players in a league. Some would say that the current practice in other leagues of four overseas players in (the) playing XI is at the cost of opportunity of four local talented players.
We think that, as an upcoming league, a guaranteed position for four UAE players in the official squad and two UAE players in (the) playing XI, as a start, is just the right number in the DP World ILT20. We believe it was a relevant and pertinent discussion and we believe this point has been listened to, time will be the decider as to how this is universally perceived.
JP: Currently, the ICC ranks the UAE T20 men’s team as 13th and 17th for ODIs. The women’s T20 team is ranked 15th. The men’s team qualified to participate in the T20 World Cup in October 2022. Has a timescale been set to break through to the next level?
MU: Our men’s team, and our under-19 and women’s team, have enjoyed impressive milestones over the past number of seasons in ICC tournaments, and Emirates Cricket’s management, support team and the board continue to seek opportunities and associations to expose the players to playing conditions that will raise the bar with the goal of securing a top-10 position (in the ICC rankings).
Our men’s side have already tasted victory of beating a full member outside of World Cups and that resonates deep with the players to replicate such a success. Our men are scheduled to embark on the next instalment of the ICC CWC series (as part of the ICC’s Road to India) and we have clear, quantifiable goals through our participation in such events.”
JP: Clearly, the ambitions of Emirates cricket are high. As an ICC associate member hosting a major T20 franchise league, to what extent could this initiative serve as an example to other associates to become self-sustainable, or is such sustainability only possible with Indian funding?
MU: It is important to note that the DP World ILT20 is one of the many leagues that work, and partner with entities from India, but not just from India — we are honored to have US interest in our league — which shows the power of cricket. Through this league, we are providing both our UAE players, and fellow associate players with the opportunity to rub shoulders with the best (in this format) and allow those that play the chance to take those learning experiences into their own international matches.
As mentioned in my previous answers, associates need to investigate and implement their own methods for financial security and sustainability: through the DP World ILT20 we hope they will embrace the concepts and adapt into their own markets.
“We strongly believe in representing your country, in whatever format, at an elite level is the pinnacle of our game. Associate members, who at best receive one-eighth of the (ICC) funding that a full member receives, need to continually manage their cash flow and revenue streams. Associates are becoming a more formidable force across two of the three formats, as we continue to see at events such as the Asia Cup and the ICC World Cups.
However, lack of funds affects and drives every aspect of business: play this tournament and gain valuable points to remain ICC-compliant, miss that tournament and lose an opportunity to develop talent. It is a delicate balancing act and, to be very transparent, we firmly stand behind our belief that the associates are the future of worldwide cricket — our game is not to be monopolized — in whatever format, UAE cricket has the opportunity to set an example for those that need to become self-sustainable.
JP: At present, cricket boards in Australia, India, Pakistan and South Africa have restraints on their contracted players, which make it difficult for them to play in tournaments such as DP World ILT20. What likelihood is there of a relaxation of these restraints or how likely is it that the players themselves, especially those coming to the end of their international careers, could break rank?
MU: While we won’t speak on behalf of the players, we can share that we have and continue to work with each board to find an agreeable outcome for players who excel in the T20 format to play and reap the rewards of playing in leagues such as the DP World ILT20.
JP: Looking to the future, what is the ECB’s ambition to become an ICC full member, despite the strict entry criteria and difficulty of arranging bilateral matches against full members.
MU: Emirates Cricket’s ambition to become an ICC full member is unwavering and we continue to work toward this goal. As previously mentioned, our team, collectively, works tirelessly to create associations that will assist us on this path, most recently our association with Bangladesh (Cricket Board) and now Afghanistan (Cricket Board) — with both of whom we enjoy a very strong, deep affiliation and relationship.
JP: In keeping with its pioneering ethos, the DP World ILT 20 will deploy innovative Smart Ball Technology. Who stands to benefit?
MU: A number of initiatives that will be implemented during the inaugural edition of the DP World ILT20 have been in the planning from day one — such as the Smart Ball — and now that we are fast approaching the opening match between Dubai Capitals and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, on Friday Jan. 13, we are looking forward to seeing what this technology brings.
The technology contained within these handcrafted Kookaburra balls sends information from the ball to the end user in no more than 2.2 seconds — split-second information which is an extremely valuable tool for any commentator, high-performance manager, as well as hardcore cricket fan wanting to know more about the swing, the pace off the pitch, from the air and how much it spins. It is extremely exciting technology.
JP: Finally, what will success look like at the end of the tournament and what are the most significant risks or concerns which have the potential to create sleepless nights.
MU: When the winning team lift the magnificent DP World ILT20 trophy to the world — that moment will mark an incredible, emotional, successful milestone on which the league will have established itself.
Right now, I and this group of very talented, thorough professionals (involved in delivering the league) are approaching every day, every minute with complete dedication and focus to ensure every facet of delivering a successful inaugural edition is being met, so I can honestly say that once we reach the end of the day, not much is keeping me awake.
BASRA: On Thursday, for the second time in a little over a month, Saudi Arabia exited an international tournament in the first round and, for the second time, there was more to evaluate and judge than simply the results.
This latest exit was from the Arabian Gulf Cup, not the World Cup, the location was Iraq instead of Qatar, and the opposition were not Argentina, Mexico and Poland but Iraq, Oman and Yemen. Despite the disappointment at failing to progress, though, Saudi Arabia should take with them plenty of positives from the experience.
It might take some time for them to appreciate this, however, after a 2-1 defeat by Oman doomed them to third place in Group A, with just three points from three games, and a journey home.
Requiring victory over the men from Muscat to be certain of a place in the last four, this new-look Saudi side pushed the Reds all the way. They created enough chances to win but just could not make them count.
Rabia Al-Alawi put Oman ahead at Al-Minaa Olympic Stadium in Basra just after the half-hour mark but the impressive Turki Al-Ammar struck soon after to ensure the teams went in level at the break. Oman snatched victory with six minutes remaining thanks to a glorious goal from Harib Al-Saadi.
In the other game in Group A, tournament hosts Iraq defeated Yemen 5-0 to secure top spot and book their place in the final four. The Iraqis took the lead in the first half thanks to a looping header from Mustafa Nadhim. Amjed Attwan and Hussein Ali struck in the second half, and Ayman Hussein added a brace to send fans at Basra International Stadium wild with delight.
Iraq topped the group with seven points. Oman finished with the same number but a lesser goal difference. Yemen finished bottom of the group, having lost all three of their games.
Saudi coach Saad Al-Shehri’s men knew that only victory would do and so they pushed forward at every opportunity. Just after the midway point of the first half, Al-Ammar got on the end of a cross from Sumayhan Al-Nabit but could not quite steer the ball past Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini in the Oman goal, who was to have a fine game.
The same combination of players was in action a few minutes later, when Al-Ammar chested the ball down just outside the area and then forced another save from the goalkeeper.
Seconds later, in the 34th minute, Oman, who only needed a point to progress, took the lead with a well-worked goal. Jameel Al-Yahmadi was given a little too much space on the right, enough for him to take his time and send a dangerous, low cross to the near post where Al-Alawi got in front of Ziyad Al-Sahafi to direct the ball high into the top corner past a diving Nawaf Al-Aqidi. The video assistant referee checked for offside but the goal stood.
Saudi Arabia knew what they had to do; they needed two goals. And after 41 minutes, they got one of them. Mohammed Maran won the ball in the area and his cross bounced off the goalkeeper into the path of Al-Nabit, who found Al-Ammar just inside the six-yard box. The busy Al-Shabab star coolly side-footed the ball home.
This put a spring in the step of the Saudis. Maran forced a good save with a low shot from outside the area and, soon after, Al-Ammar did the same from close range. Suddenly, Oman were under pressure and hoping for the half-time whistle.
The Reds should have retaken the lead early in the second half, when Issam Al-Sabhi broke free of the defense. With just the goalkeeper to beat, he opted to lob the ball from just inside the area but his effort was high. Within seconds, Al-Ammar forced a fine save with a fierce shot. After 57 minutes Al-Nabit also forced a save but this time, Al-Mukhaini spilled the low attempt and was relieved to see the ball go out of play for a corner. Later, from another corner, Maran’s fine near-post header had the goalkeeper flying through the air to deny a certain goal.
At the other end, there was nothing Al-Aqidi could do about Oman’s winner. Al-Saadi collected the ball outside the area and sent an unstoppable shot into the top corner. And that was that.
Iraq and Oman will learn who their semi-final opponents are on Friday, when Bahrain face Kuwait and Qatar take on the UAE in Group B. The final will take place next Thursday.
RIYADH: The 8th edition of the Kings and Princes Cups Festival, featuring the top runners from leading Saudi stables, will begin on Friday at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.
The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia has organized the festival since 2016 in tribute to the Saudi royal family, who have been central to the development of the horse racing industry in the Kingdom.
Horse racing became a favored pastime during the reign of King Abdulaziz, when the founder of the Saudi state used to watch his sons race Arabian horses from a hill in the Malaz region, to the north of the city.
The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia was established in 1965 by King Abdullah under the stewardship of King Salman, who was governor of Riyadh at the time.
Meanwhile, a site at Janadriyah was developed and racing transferred from Malaz to the King Abdulaziz Racecourse, which featured an oval dirt track.
The royal families of Europe have long admired Arabian horses for their racing prowess. Now, given the development of the Saudi racing scene, the horses are sought after by owners and trainers worldwide.
Juddmonte Farms, owned by Prince Khalid bin Abdullah until his death in early 2021, and featuring the undefeated Frankel, was instrumental in establishing Saudi Arabia on the international horse racing scene, culminating in Saudi participation at the Ascot and Kentucky festivals.
SHAYBAH, Saudi Arabia: Nasser Al-Attiyah hung close to his pursuers in the vast expanse of dunes in southeast Saudi Arabia and closed in on his fifth Dakar Rally title on Thursday.
Al-Attiyah wasn’t possessive for a second straight day about the Empty Quarter that is considered his backyard. Instead, the Qatari eased to fifth on the 11th stage, the first 273 kilometers of a two-day marathon special in the desert.
He conceded less than seven minutes to Sebastien Loeb, who won a fourth consecutive stage and fifth in this Dakar after an early puncture. Loeb is only the fourth driver in the elite car category to win four successive specials, and first since Carlos Sainz in 2009.
Also finishing just seconds behind Brazilian rookie Lucas Moraes meant Al-Attiyah remained in control, more than 80 minutes ahead of Moraes, and more than 90 up on Loeb. Al-Attiyah’s Toyota teammate, Henk Lategan, was the only other driver within two hours.
“We don’t need to attack for nothing. We still have too many hours to do,” Al-Attiyah said. “Today, we just needed to finish. We need to control because there is no point really going crazy.”
Loeb took just under three hours to win the stage from Shaybah down to the Oman border, two minutes ahead of French compatriot Guerlain Chicherit.
Chicherit rebounded a day after hitting a huge hole, slamming his head and driving ill to the finish. Mattias Ekstrom was third and Moraes fourth.
American rider Skyler Howes regained the motorbike lead after finishing fourth on the stage with a minor fall.
His Husqvarna teammate Luciano Benavides won his third stage in the past week, beating Daniel Sanders and Toby Price by just under two minutes.
Kevin Benavides was 10th on the stage, more than six minutes back, dropping from first to third overall.
In the general standings, Howes led the KTMs of former champions Price, 28 seconds back, and Kevin Benavides, nearly three minutes back.
“It’s going to be tight going all the way in to the finish (on Sunday), which is super exciting,” Howes said.
MELBOURNE: Afghanistan cricket officials blasted Australia’s decision on Thursday to cancel their men’s one-day international cricket series.
Cricket Australia cited recent heavier restrictions on women’s rights in Afghanistan by the Taliban government for axing the three ODIs in March in the United Arab Emirates.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board said it was “extremely disappointed and saddened by the pathetic statement” from Cricket Australia and it would complain to the International Cricket Council.
It accused CA of prioritizing political interests over fair play and sportsmanship, undermining the integrity of the game, and damaging the relationship between the two countries.
“Cricket has played a significant role in promoting unity and national pride in Afghanistan,” the board said. “After years of war and conflict, cricket has helped to bring people together and provide a sense of normalcy to the country. It has also been an important source of hope and inspiration for all Afghans, particularly young people.”
It said it would rethink the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League if the decision was not reversed.
Afghan fast bowler Naveen ul Haq Murid called scrapping the series “childish” and accused Australia of taking away Afghans’ only reason for happiness instead of being supportive.
When Kabul fell to the Taliban in 2021, women were banned from playing sports on the grounds that doing so would contravene Islamic laws requiring their hair and skin to be covered.
Recent Taliban restrictions on women’s and girls’ education, employment opportunities and their ability to access parks and gyms were cited by Cricket Australia for dropping the men’s ODIs following consultation with the Australian government and other groups.
“CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan, and will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country,” CA said.
Australia gave similar reasons for axing a one-off test match against Afghanistan in Hobart, Australia, in November 2021.
In December, the Taliban banned women from completing higher education, having prohibited attendance at gyms and parks a month earlier.
Women are also banned from attending school beyond the sixth grade and working most jobs outside of their homes.
In November 2021, the ICC formed a working group aiming to support and review women’s and men’s cricket in Afghanistan but more than a year later, the country remains the only full member of the ICC without a fully operational women’s team. Afghanistan is also the only full member not represented at the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa starting this week.
DUBAI: The 2023 Saudi Cup has attracted over 1,400 entries, with horses from 22 countries looking to participate at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh from Feb. 24 – 25.
Participants, which include 600 entries from overseas, are seeking a share of the $35.35 million prize.
The two-day meeting will see horses from Japan, US and UAE dominate the entries and a strong representation from the UK, Ireland, Argentina, France, and Germany.
Five Group 3 races feature at the two-day meeting, alongside the world’s most valuable race, the $20 million Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m).
“Once again we’re delighted with the depth of the international entries, from 22 different countries across five continents, which goes to show the reputation and global standing The Saudi Cup meeting has quickly established after just three years,” said Tom Ryan, Racing Advisor to the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.
Emblem Road (USA), the locally-owned and trained winner of the 2022 Saudi Cup, is set to defend his title.
A second win for Emblem Road would make him the highest earning Thoroughbred in history with $20.2 million, ahead of Australian wondermare Winx who totalled $18.3 million by the end of her career.
A total of 47 Group 1 winners could be set to take part in the competition, including 2022 Saudi Cup runner-up and 2022 Dubai World Cup winner, Country Grammer (USA), and Taiba (USA), a three-time Grade 1 winner.
The UAE has the second-highest rated entry for The Saudi Cup in the shape of Charlie Appleby’s Rebel’s Romance (IRE), an impressive winner of the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf when last seen.
Meanwhile, Japan’s bid for a first Saudi Cup could be led by the Yoshito Yahagi-trained Panthalassa (JPN) and Tetsuya Kimura’s Geoglyph (JPN). Jun Light Bolt (JPN) holds an automatic entry after winning the Group 1 Champions Cup at Chukyo in December.
“Last year’s meeting could not have been more successful, with Emblem Road making history by becoming the first Saudi Arabian-trained winner of The Saudi Cup. There was also the remarkable success of Japanese horses, who took home four Group races, and the strength of the Japanese entry has continued to grow this year”, said Ryan.
Laws of Indeces (IRE) becomes the first Australian horse to enter The Saudi Cup, after being nominated by Sydney-based trainer Annabel Neasham.
There’s also a strong entry from Europe and South America, with potential runners including Group 1 winners Saffron Beach (IRE), Order Of Australia (IRE) and the Maria Muñoz-trained Niño Guapo (ARG).
Another feature on the first day of the meeting is the $500,000 Saudi International Handicap, a race designed for horses trained in countries that are not in Part I of the IFHA’s Blue Book.
Possible entries include horses from 11 countries: Czech Republic, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, as well as a potential first Portuguese-trained runner.
