The UAE women’s national squad took time out from their schedule to take guard for a good cause in promoting Breast Cancer Awareness in Dubai last week.
The initiative supported by the Oxigen Masters Champions League (MCL), which is being played in the UAE, saw the 18 players, many of whom featured in the 2015 Gulf Cup winning team, showcase their skills in a friendly 12-over game at United Pro Sports.
Split into two teams and named after two player icons in the MCL –Jacques Kallis and Sourav Ganguly, represented by GM Sports CEO Zarah Shah and Libra Legends owner Jyoti Saraf, it was the latter who triumphed with UAE captain Charvi Bhatt leading Ganguly to a six-wicket victory.
But it was more than the result for all-rounder Bhatt.
“We wanted to celebrate the beginning of this exciting event while raising awareness about a crucial issue affecting women here in the UAE and across the globe,” said the 26-year-old.
“The Libra Legends are owned by a woman, and it’s no coincidence that their shirt colours are pink, a colour associated with the cause of breast cancer awareness.
“It was always a privilege to play for a good cause and create awareness of breast cancer and once we were told of the initiative, we were more than gladly to help.
“We are aware of the issues around the world and hope our participation and this initiative will promote breast cancer awareness around the world, beginning with the UAE.”
She added: “All the players were really excited to play and you could see from the players there were a lot of smiles.”
In their efforts of raising awareness, GM Sports, organisers of the MCL will invite breast cancer patients to watch the Libra Legends and Sagittarius Strikers game tomorrow.
Kallis, Ganguly, Adam Gilchrist and Daniel Vettori will be among the retired stars to take to the field at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Shah, CEO of MCL and a keen supporter of women’s cricket said: “Cricket is a fantastic game that should not just be the preserve of men.
“It’s our intention at MCL to raise the profile of the game to women, while supporting this very worthy cause.”
And Saraf, CEO of Popcorn Sports, added: “We want as many women to be aware of this illness and get diagnosed as early as possible.
“With the cricketing action of Oxigen MCL now begun, it gave us the perfect platform to combine great entertainment, the promotion of a wonderful sport, and awareness about breast cancer.”