Qatar Cricket Journey and Evolution
Speaker's Background
- Began cricket career in Qatar in 1992
- Initially played for various teams
- Established personal team in 1998
Major Milestones:
- 2003: Won BDB Championship
- Promoted to Division A (now Premier Division)
- Early challenges included frequent semi-final losses and difficulty in securing sponsorship
Sponsorship and Team Growth
- First sponsorship by Al-Suleiman, with Mr. Azeem Abbas
- Enabled hiring professional players
- First tournament win under this sponsorship
- Subsequent sponsorships by Uridu, CCTC, Al Musta, and others
- Team name: Asian Cricket Club
- Diverse team with players from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India
Transition from India to Qatar
- Cricket journey started in gully cricket and progressed to professional cricket in Mumbai
- Connection in Qatar through uncle and Mr. M.I. Fari led to a chance to play for Ideal Indian School
Evolution of Cricket in Qatar
- Significant changes observed since 1992
- Initially played in desert areas
- Limited facilities with only one stadium in West Bay
- Anticipation of improvement with new leadership
- Upcoming ICC T20 Asia Cup qualifiers
- Promising future for cricket in Qatar
Impact of Professional Players
- Professional players brought in by sponsors like Azeem Abbas
- Enhanced team quality and performance
- Players' strategies and fitness levels raised the team's competitiveness
- Many players have gone on to play for Qatar's national team
Current Preparations
- Premier Division starting soon, team to play first match
- Preparations impacted by COVID-19 disruptions
- Enthusiasm despite long break from cricket
Personal Connections
- Close ties with Golfer team and its captain, Mohammed Rizzla
- Friendship and camaraderie within the cricket community
The lecture covers the personal and professional journey of a cricket enthusiast in Qatar, highlighting the growth of cricket in the region, challenges faced, and the impact of professional involvement in the sport.