Young Talents Cricket Academy (YTCA) will launch the 17th Gulf Cup junior cricket tournament starting from 15th December, 2019. The tournament, organized by the Young Talents Cricket Academy, has unearthed many talented cricketers over the years in the UAE.

The profile and competitiveness of the tournament has been raised by inviting stronger teams from Pakistan – Moin Khan Cricket Academy from England – Durham County women cricket team and from India – British School from Delhi and Bishop School from Pune.

The tournament has been divided into six categories: Under – 10, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19.

The U-11 and the U-10 will be a 25 overs per side event while the more senior categories will play 30 overs per side. All the matches are to be umpired by professional umpires from around the UAE.

The tournament is to commence from December 16th and would be held at three venues: Eden Garden (Ajman), Ajman Oval and the Vision Cricket Centre, Sharjah.

“It is a great opportunity for the youngsters as they will get a chance to play at the magnificent venues under floodlights and I am thankful to Mr. Kashif, Director of Madina Cricket Academy Sharjah, for sponsoring the tournament and all the parents for their support in making this event a popular one,” said YTCA’s Shehzad Altaf.

The tournament started off as a six-team event and has grown in popularity over the course of 17 years.

“This tournament brings in children from diverse cultures and regions all with the hope of playing this beautiful game. The game creates an environment that helps children to become global citizens as they get to meet and play with children from diverse cultures, in the process creating children that are all-rounders on and off the field,” Madina Cricket Academy’s Kashif stated.

Mahesh Fonseka of YTCA and Bhagwat Don, Director of City Cricket Academy, said, “We are delighted with the response to the tournament and are pleased to host the teams at our school.

“Kids from the age of six turn out in colour kits and are eagerly waiting to grow up and participate in such tournaments.”