Registration is now open for the only unified schools league competition in the UAE as the stars of tomorrow showcase their cricketing skills against their peers.

Modern Heros (Under-13) and Our Own Zenith (Under-15) triumphed last season with former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara the guest of honour at Finals Day at the Sevens.

But there will be new champions come January 2017 with two new age groups – Under-14 and Under-17 introduced. As well as the two new age groups the NSL will also be launching a 16-team Under-12 indoor development league in January 2017.

The U-14 matches will consist of 15 overs, while the U-17s will play Twenty20. The significant change means that a wider pool of players from approximately 32 schools and 56 teams will battle it out for the coveted trophy with the group stages played in October and November ahead of the knockouts in January 2017.

Teams will be split into different groups, according to their geographical location – Dubai, Sharjah Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Just like the previous years, matches will be played on turf wickets with The Sevens (Dubai), Skyline University (Sharjah), Nursery Ovals (Abu Dhabi) and for the first time Al Ain Equestrian and Golf Club, all confirmed as venues for the new season.

The tournament has gone from strength to strength since launching in 2014 and has earned rave reviews from players and parents.

Providing a platform for the UAE national set-up, NSL received a huge boost in August when three players – Jonathan Figy, Ansh Tandon and Aryan Lakra, who have featured in the event, were rewarded with a place in the UAE Under-19 squad for September’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Malaysia.

Sport360° will have plenty of content for players and followers to stay up-to-date through www.nsl360.com featuring news, game highlights, stats and live scoring.

For more information and to register, please e-mail bhavikmehta@sport360.com