Abu Dhabi Cricket Council (ADCC) has announced that a record 20 teams will compete in the Al Hamad ‘A’ Division Trophy tourna-ment which begins on January 17.

The 23rd edition of the tournament will be played at Zayed Cricket Stadium as well as Nursery Ovals 1 and 2.

Matches will be played every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with the winners receiving Dh20,000 while the runners-up will pocket Dh12,000.

The matches will be played in a 50-over format on a round-robin basis with the 20 teams split into four groups. The top two sides will qualify for the quarter-finals. 

ADCC president Wajahat Husain said the number of teams was increased from 16 to 20 because many teams from UAE wanted to take part in the tournament. Husain said: “All teams have agreed to come to Abu Dhabi.” 

Friday matches at Zayed Cricket Stadium will begin at 15:00, while the Thursday and Saturday matches will start at 15:30.

Matches at Nursery Ovals 1 and 2 will commence at 09:00. Prizes will be awarded for Man of the Match, Man of the Tournament, best batsman and bowler.