The event is open to all registered teams and corporate houses of the regional councils. Each day two matches will be played, starting from 7pm. The tournament will follow international rules with coloured clothing and white ball being used during the matches.

Each session will be of one hour and 15 minute-duration with a 15-minute break between each innings. As per the rules each bowler will be allowed a maximum of four overs. There will be one-run penalty for wides and no-balls. A no ball also results in a free hit for the batsman.

“If the huge success of the earlier event held in October last year is any indication, we can expect a similar enthusiastic response to the tournament from players and fans,” Nasir Akram, secretary-general of the Sharjah Cricket Council said.

“With this shorter version of the game generating tremendous interest amongst local clubs, fans and corporate houses, I am confident that the day is not far when associate members of the ICC join the full members in playing the game on the international circuit,” he added.

“The popularity of twenty20 is set to scale new heights when the first ICC Twenty20 World Cup will be played in South Africa next year,” Nasir said, adding: “This version of the game has already become a success in the UAE and the prognosis points to exciting days ahead.”