The Dubai Super League (DSL) was an idea first discussed in 2011 among a passionate group of people who wanted to develop a platform for amateur cricketers to play in a competitive environment and showcase their talent.
The idea became a reality in 2012-13 with the first edition contested by four teams and since then the DSL has expanded successfully with its second edition in 2014-15 comprising six teams, and the third season (2015-16) currently comprising eight teams.
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The teams competing in the DSL are made up of individuals from cricket-playing countries like Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, England, Australia, and South Africa; all players are working professionals from varying industries in Dubai and Abu Dhabi who play cricket for leisure at the weekend.
Previously, the teams would book grounds at the ICC Academy or the Emirates Sevens to play ad hoc games on Friday or Saturday. The DSL for the first time provided them with a regulated format, enabling each team to play a minimum number of league games before the knockout stages. It ensures that all teams play every weekend, taking away the haphazard nature of booking grounds plus the hassle of looking for opponents to play against. This has laid a foundation for developing a league that is growing in popularity.
Dubai Super League table after round 6 pic.twitter.com/qmuHTYSbCT
— Wombats (@thewombatsdxb) November 30, 2015
The DSL is self-funded, with each player contributing towards their team, which in turn contributes towards the league. All costs for ground bookings, team kits, equipment, match balls, umpires, scorers, and drinks are borne by the players themselves. Since last year, a nominal amount from each players’ fee towards the DSL has also been contributed to the Shahid Afridi Foundation.
This season, the DSL is bigger than ever before with a whopping 64 games. The format provides each team with 16 matches including 14 league games, playoffs, and shield. Some exciting matches have already been witnessed and the league is being contested closely.
The eight teams taking part in the 3rd edition of the DSL are Wombats Black, Wombats Yellow, The Cricketers Club (TCC), Darjeeling CC, Loose Cannons, Cool Boys, Standard Chartered, and HSBC. Wombats, TCC, and SCB have been there since the first edition in 2012-13.
Future plans for the DSL are focused on attracting more teams, with the aim of making it the most popular platform for budding cricketers in Dubai.
If you are interested in taking part in the DSL next season, or just want to gather more information about the league and how it is conducted, get in touch with the organizers:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/dsl2014/
Twitter handle: @thewombatsdxb
