Sharjah: Hundreds of people flocked to the JMR Oval Ground in Sharjah for the inauguration of 'Jan & Bros Bhatkal Premier League (BPL)' T20 cricket tournament on Sunday, 22nd January.
A Bhatkal community T20 league organised by BPL governing council, the tenth edition tournament will be played over the three weeks, with the finals scheduled on February 12 at JMR Oval ground in Sharjah.
Eight teams owned by Bhatkalis have participated in the IPL-style league, with the inaugural match played between Skinmate Smashers and Rising Stars, won by the latter.
Batting first, the Skinmate Smashers were bundled out for 110, which the Rising Stars chased down with 116 runs for the loss of six wickets in 18.4 overs.
The inaugural ceremony began with the recitation of Holy Qur'an, and was graced by the Bhatkal Inter Football Association (BIFA) President and Karnataka State Football Team Manager Mr. Mawiya Mohtesham, BPL Governing Council Chairman Shariar Khateeb, BPL commissioner Taha Muallim, former BPL chairman Abu Muhammad Muktesar, BMJD secretary Maulana Shakeeb Shabandari and many other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mawiya Mohtesham, lauded the efforts of BPL governing council for hosting the tournament in a professional concept. He urged the youth to actively take part in sports. There are lot of opportunities in sports and one can develop leadership qualities through sports, he added. The ceremony was compered by Imran Khateeb.
Chairman BPL council, Shariar Khateeb asked players and spectators to enjoy the entire journey of the tournament with discipline and unity on and off the ground. BPL commissioner Taha Muallim read out the rules and regulations of the tournament.
More fans gathered for the next scheduled matches on Sunday.
Scorecard of the opening match:
Skinmate Smashers 110-10 in 17.3 overs (Syed Firas 35(40), Abdul Qavi 22(13), Shamoun Shabandari 4/23, Syed Adeeb 2/7)
Rising Stars 116-6 in 18.4 overs (Shamoun Shabandari 34(29), Asim Mohtesham 28(38), Mohd Ali 2/19, Ismail Khan 1/13)
Shamoun Shabandari was titled with Man of the match, who scored 34 (29) with two boundaries and one six.