A total of 42 teams from 27 schools have confirmed their participation in the inaugural National School League (NSL) competition.
There was an overwhelming response to the tournament, which is backed by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and organised by Sport360°, which allows students to play competitive cricket in a unified league.
The sides will compete in two age groups – under-13 (15 overs) and under-15 (T20) – in a round-robin format on turf wickets at ICC Academy, 7he Sevens (Dubai), Sharjah International Stadium and the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium Nursery Ground.
The schools will be divided into four groups according to their geographical location – Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Old Dubai, New Dubai and Sharjah and Northern Emirates – with the top team advancing to the knock-out stages with a playoff for the second and third placed teams.
ECB chairman David East said: “The ECB are delighted that schools have embraced the opportunity of taking part in such a great initiative by Sport360°.
“Part of ECB’s strategic objective is to increase participation around the country. It’s good that we have a national schools competition that is clearly identifiable and as a result it is extremely pleasing that it has been well received.”
And some of the schools can’t wait to play their first match of the competition, which begins on October 17.
Daniel Jones, coach at Repton School, said: “We are excited to be playing in this competition. The boys have been practicing hard and are fighting for places in the squad.”
And Waseem Salim, Dubai British School manager, added: “There is a great buzz around our school from the students, the principal (Mark Ford) and cricket coach (Dave Wright). This tournament will be a memorable experience for us, and a chance to showcase our cricketing skills with other schools in the country.”