DUBAI, MAR 22, (DNA) – A two-day cricketing event –the 2017 Emirates Airline Twenty20—will be held at Dubai’s world class ICC Academy from Thursday, on 23rd to Friday 24th March.

The one of a kind tournament, supported by Dubai Sports Council, sees six T20 sides from around the world battle it out to be crowned Emirates T20 champions.

 Star players include Ian Bell, Jimmy Anderson, Paul Collingwood, Liam Plunkett, Graham Onions and Ben Duckett.

The tournament will showcase cricket at its best with an action packed two day schedule.

Teams include the hugely popular Zalmi Foundation and Lahore Qalandars from the Pakistan Super League, as well as the top English T20 sides; Lancashire Lightning, Durham Jets, MCC England XI and Birmingham Bears.

Ahmed Khoory, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (West Asia & Indian Ocean) for Emirates Airline commented:

“Emirates is proud to be the presenting partner of the Emirates Airline Twenty20, an event that brings top international cricketers together in Dubai to compete in a unique tournament.

We are proud of our involvement in cricket and it is just as satisfying to sponsor local events like this which contribute to the local community and help grow the game at a grassroots level, and we see this as a powerful platform to connect with fans and communities.”

“Dubai Sports Council are pleased to support this unique, exciting event. Tournaments like the Emirates Airline T20 are so important to help to grow the

 sport of cricket in Dubai, providing a fun day out for the family and inspiring the youth with their cricketing heroes.” said Hessa Al Khous, Head of Events at Dubai Sports Council.

“The tournament provides something for everyone as well as avid cricket fans, with two action-packed days featuring; six games of international cricket, VIP hospitality, family activities, entertainment, competitions and more.

Cricket fans will also have the opportunity to meet their heroes through player meet-and-greets and signing sessions, commented Matthew Jackson, Tournament Director. “We are very excited to host it at the world class ICC Academy for the first time and look forward to an exciting weekend ahead.”

The Emirates Airline T20 press conference was held today at the Ghaya Grand, official hotel partner of the tournament. Olwin Desouza, GM of the Ghaya Grand, an avid sports follower himself commented,

“We are delighted to host the players and team officials for the tournament and look forward to enjoying some top-quality cricket.”=DNA

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