Abu Dhabi: UAE Exchange SAARC Cup Cricket Lifts Spirit of Friendship

Media Release

Abu Dhabi, May 17: Cricket lovers and the South Asian communities in the UAE had a field day as they were enthralled and entertained by a thrilling display of talents during the exciting four-nation SAARC Cup on Friday, May 15th at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

The inaugural SAARC UAE Exchange Xpress Money Cup was a resounding success as it helped to foster the spirit of friendship among the South Asian expatriate community in the UAE, giving them a great sense of joy and spreading the message of communal harmony.

The two-day cricket tournament supported by Abu Dhabi Cricket Council saw Ambassadors XI from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka competing for the coveted title. Triumphant Indian Ambassador XI defeated Pakistan Ambassador XI by five wickets chasing a total of 166. A thrilling partnership combined with a series of beautiful strokes by Indian batsmen Naeemuddin and C T K Mashood, sealed India’s victory on Friday.

Cricketing stalwarts acting as Goodwill Ambassadors including legendary Indian pace bowler Kapil Dev, Sri Lankan batsman Marvan Attapattu, leg-spinner Malinga Bandara and Bangladeshi wicket-keeper Kaled Masud Pilot; His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al-Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education; embassies’ officials and top executives of UAE Exchange and Xpress Money were present at the cricket tournament. School children also entertained the crowd with their enthusiasm and lively cultural performances.

Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad and Sri Lankan Ambassador J M P J Bandara presented the trophy in the presence of Maravan Attapattu, Kaled Masud Pilot, Binay Shetty-Executive Director of NMC Group; Y. Sudhir Kumar Shetty, COO-Global Operations of UAE Exchange; Shahnawaz Hakim, Co-ordinator, Abu Dhabi Cricket Council and other dignitaries including SAARC embassy officials.

Y. Sudhir Kumar Shetty said: “Our association with SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) has helped us to bring people together. We hope to make this an annual sporting event. The camaraderie that we share here in the UAE is reflective of our very strong cultural and traditional ties. The welfare of our community here is our foremost concern. Therefore, we have been working closely in areas of sports, arts and culture to bring the South Asian community together and enjoy our common heritage.”