Media Release

Jubail, Feb 26: Huge crowd from Asian countries got together on a single platform to play and witness ‘Social Forum Cup -2019’ at Al-Falah Ground Al-Jubail from February 20 to 22.

In spite of freezing weather, cricket fans from various nationalities, classes, languages, cultures and religions were united without any boundaries to witness the fabulous cricket tournament organized by Indian Social Forum Karnataka Eastern Province. Leading teams from Eastern Province played outstanding cricket throughout the knock out series, nevertheless Arabian Clouds team emerged champion of the ‘Social Forum Cup 2019’ out performing Eastern Blue in the thrilling final over of the final match.

The tournament commenced on February 20 with 15 top cricket teams from Eastern province, quarter, semi finals and final match playing on February 22. The final match was played between Arabian Cloud and Eastern Blue. Eastern Blue elected to bat first on winning the toss and set a target of 44 runs in 5 overs for the loss of 2 wickets. In response to it, team Arabian Clouds managed to chase down the tough target in the last over of the innings. Mustafa Kalladka bowled the tough spell of the last over of the innings and Arabian Cloud needed 7 runs from just 2 balls. In a penultimate ball of the last over Arabian Cloud’s middle order batsman Sahil Karkala hit the ball off the ground to a sixer towards the deep square leg region to lift the champion of ‘Social Forum Cup-2019’.

The final match was inaugurated in grand decorum. India Fraternity Forum president Imthiyaz Surathkal and Abdul Razak CEO of KMT Co released the helium balloons in the sky and the chief guests wished both the team players 'Best of luck' ahead of the final match.

In the post final match, a colorful presentation ceremony was held on stage ‘Emirates Abdul Kadar Stage’. The stage was named after Marhoom Emirates Abdul Kadar, a social worker in Saudi Arabia for over three decades who died in the accident recently near Dammam.

The stage was honored with the gracious presence of dignitaries and distinguished guests.

For exceptional excellence in business field, Sheikhabba Karnire, director of Expertise Contracting Co, Zakariah Jokatte CEO of AlMuzain & Partners Co, Salahuddin Salman, CEO of Saleh Ayed Balharith Est were felicitated with Indian Social Forum ‘NRI Business Excellence Award’. Sheikhabba Karnire was felicitated by Nazrul Islam Chaudary, procurement manager at Yamama Co and also president of Delhi zone India Fraternity Forum.

Leading entrepreneurs Abdul Razak CEO of KMT Contracting Co and Mushtaq Ahmed CEO of Fateh Al Jubail Trading were felicitated with Indian Social Forum ‘Community Service Excellence Award’ for their outstanding community service back home in India. They were felicitated by Meera Ahmed Gulbarga (senior consultant engineer at Woods Group/ central committee member India Fraternity Forum), Imthiyaz Surtkal (president India Fraternity Forum Eastern Province) respectively.

During the presentation ceremony, Saudi and Indian National Anthems were played and a silent prayer was offered in remembrance of CRPF PULWAMA martyrs. Sponsors and guests were presented with momento by ISF Jubail block executive council members. The ceremony was presided over by Shareef Jokatte Indian Social Forum Karnataka Eastern province and while delivering the presidential speech he requested Indian Community to join hands with ISF to spread community service and awareness program
throughout Saudi Arabia.

Kashif from Eastern Blue was awarded with Man of the Series trophy for his tremendous performance in the tournament. Sahil from Arabian Cloud was named Best Batsman, Best Wicket Keeper and Man of the Match, while Mahesh from Arabian Clouds emerged Best Bowler. Super Sports Jubail was awarded ‘Peoples Favorite Team’ of the tournament for receiving highest votes in the ‘Social Forum Cup 2019’ various social media pages and groups.

Best selfie award, multi language commentators, spot games and other fun and entertainment programmes, raffle draw during the prize distribution ceremony made the tournament a colorful event. The best selfie award was bagged by Fazil for clicking a picture in front of the selfie flex put up near the stage.

Mohammad Shameer Muloor (president Indian Social Forum Udupi Jubail block) was tournament coordinator, Mohammad Firoz hosted the presentation ceremony and Saleem Udupi (member of Indian Social Forum Udupi Jubail block executive council member) hosted the prize distribution ceremony.

Shareef Jokatte, Imthiyaz Surathkal, Sheikabba Karnire, Abdul Razak, Mushtaq Ahmed, Ataulla Uchila, Waseem Rabbani president of Indian Social Forum EP, Salahuddin Mysore general manager at Renaul Cars Co and general secratery of ISF Karnataka EP, Mohammad Ashraf Puttur general secretary of ISF EP, Nazarul Islam Chaudhary procurement manager Yamama Co and president of IFF Delhi Zone, Ashqaf CEO of Plant Solutions, Tajammul Hussain director at RAIKAM Operations, Abdul Azeez from Expertise Contracting Co, Azhar from Arabian Cloud, Saleem Udupi ISF Jubail - Udupi Block Exe council member, Nazeer Thumbay president of ISF Jubail Mangalore block, Shameer Muloor president of Jubail Udupi Block, Williums Worki manager from Shifa Hospital Jubail, Meeraj Ahmed Gulbarga member of IFF Central Committee EP, Mohammad Saeed fleet manager Renault Cars Co were present on stage.

Participant teams of the tournament: AL Falah CC, Super Sports Club, Hanco Gladiators, Byrne Equioment Rental, Eastern Blue, TCC, Khobar United, Arabian Cloud, Amaco, Shine Arabia, Fastec, Weekend Friends, Port Eleven, Katte Friends.

Sponsors of the tournament were:
Golden Sponsors, Expertise Contracting Co Ltd and Saleh Ayed Balharith Est

Silver sponsors were: AlMuzain & Partners, KMT Contracting Co, United Tech, Fateh Al Jubail Trading Est, AKA Industrial Service, Plant Solutions, Compass Logistics

Bronze sponsors were: Renaults Car Co, Gulf Asia Hospital, Amplitude Co, Trident Contracting Co, White Stone.