Abu Dhabi Cricket Council (ADCC) have announced details of its premier ‘A’ Division tournament for the new season, with two-times champions Danube Lions drawn against NMC, Royal Gymkhana and One Stop Tourism in Group A.

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Danube Lions are one of 16 teams that will participate is the 50-over competition which will have new sponsors on board. Titled ‘Gulf Technical presents Techaccess ‘A’ Division Tournament’, the first group matches begin on December 25 in Abu Dhabi.

During Saturday’s draw ceremony at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, last season’s runners-up Ibsons were drawn against some strong opposition in the form of Seven Seas, UBL and Interface in Group D. 

Group B consists of G-Force Academy, Al Faraa, Health Authority and AD Gymkhana, while Group C is made up of ADCB, Alubond Tigers, Etihad Airways and Grand Midwest Hotel.

The 24th edition of the competition features some of the UAE’s best domestic clubs. The top two from each group will qualify for the knock-out stages with man of the man awards for each game, in addition to awards for the man of the tournament, best batsman and bowler. 

Besides the winning trophy, the champions will take home a cheque for Dh20,000 while the runners-up will bag Dh12,000.

While all teams will be hoping to deny favourites Danube Lions the title, the reigning champions will be looking to clinch the prestigious trophy for the third straight season. 

In September, the Dubai-based team edged past Ibsons by 10 runs in a thrilling final at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium to cap a remarkable season in which they also lifted the Bukhatir league trophy in Sharjah.

Speaking of the tournament, ADCC president Wajahat Husain said: “His Highness Sheikh Nahayan has a clear vision to encourage top level cricket amongst the local and expatriate population of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. This tournament will greatly assist in spotting new talent and help give players the chance to play against some of the best domestic players in the UAE. 

“This is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council’s calendar and you only have to see that the best teams in the UAE will be participating in the tournament.

"I thank Techaccess and Gulf Technical for sponsoring the tournament and I am sure there will be some entertaining and competitive matches throughout the tournament.”