Nasir awaits ECB, ICC nod for DPL

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Nasir awaits ECB, ICC nod for DPL
Nasir Ramadhan,CEO,Director,Chairman HKSZ Group of Companies.

Dubai - Nasir is eyeing the November slot of next year for the cricketing event

By Ramdas Volvoikar

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Published: Thu 27 Apr 2017, 6:42 PM

Last updated: Fri 28 Apr 2017, 11:57 PM

It has been almost four years since the idea of Dubai Premier League (DPL) germinated in his mind, but Nasir Ramadan, the England-based HKSZ Cricket Academy promoter and Dubai realtor, has no doubt that the prolonged period has helped him fine tune his preparations. And, he is confident that it will be a new blueprint for success once the big event gets the nod from the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).
"Dubai Sports Council gave us the green signal and we are awaiting final approval from the Emirates Cricket Board. Once it is done, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will endorse the idea,'' Nasir told the Khaleej Times on Thursday.
Nasir is eyeing the November slot of next year for the cricketing event. "After ECB and ICC approvals, we will request for November 2018 as the likely slot for the 21-day event,'' he said.
The ICC, according to Nasir, will take all precautions considering the failures of some of the T20 events launched with much fanfare in the UAE.
"I have submitted my proposal highlighting all aspects that will make this event a big success. We had been working on this idea for almost four years and had ample time to consider various permutations and combinations. We have tried to be innovative and use various novel elements,'' the 44-year-old Dubai realtor explained.
The six-team affair will have all current cricketers from international and local arena and will be 'the event' in the UAE calendar, once it gets rolling.
Alongside the DPL, there will be six youth teams, which will contest the mini-DPL. "The idea behind this is to allow the youngsters to get along with experienced players so that there is a healthy learning exercise for the young cricketers," he added.
Burj Khalifa Tigers, Royal Jumeirahs, Deira Panthers are some of the names which have been finalised with some franchisee owners coming on board, he said.
The idea of Indian and Pakistani cricketers playing for the same or different teams will give the DPL an extra edge compared to the other leagues in the world. "The UAE has been the cornerstone of unity and I see this country as the best unifying factor for Indian and Pakistani players to perform on the same platform. It will be a great moment to see Indian and Pakistani cricketers on the same pitch in the UAE," Nasir remarked.
ramdas@khaleejtimes.com


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