AJMAN: The much-anticipated PID Cricket Tournament Season 8, the largest tape-ball cricket event of 2024 in the UAE, concluded in spectacular fashion, with MSK Kashmir United claiming the championship title.
Held on December 7-8 at the Seven District Ground, Ajman, the tournament featured 12 outstanding teams in a thrilling seven-overs-a-side format.
Sheikh Umer Farooq, Chief Media Officer of PID, reflected on the group’s vision: “Since 2008, PID has been fostering personal and professional growth, job assistance, and networking. This tournament is a milestone as we align with UAE’s goals of promoting sports, healthy activities, and tourism.”
A thrilling final
The league stage format required teams to secure at least two wins to qualify for the semi-finals, setting up intense matches. In the nail-biting final, MSK Kashmir United triumphed over Rbees Eleven.
Batting first, MSK Kashmir United set a challenging target of 63 runs in seven overs. Rbees Eleven fell short, scoring 52 runs while losing eight wickets, handing a well-deserved victory to the champions.
Award ceremony
The champions' trophy was handed over to Raja Saqib and Sardar Naqash, owners of MSK Kashmir United, by Hamid Paracha, representing the title sponsor, SK Shipping Line.
Rbees Eleven, the runners-up, received their trophy and an AED 3,000 cash prize, presented to their owner, Raja Ali Shan, by Adeel Munawar and Ateeq Munawar, owners of Huracan Evo Rent a Car.
Star performers
The tournament showcased stellar performances from star players, including Taimor Mirza, Khurram Chakwal, Chandu Chistia, Zaheer Kalia, Ali Sial, Tahir Pindi, Farhad Abdali, and Muzamal Kamoki, representing top tape-ball cricket talent.
Organisers and Sponsors
The event was expertly managed by Pakistanis in Dubai (PID), a leading UAE-based social media platform with over 200,000 members. Founded by Nasir Bangash, PID promotes community-building, job assistance, women empowerment, and business support.
The success of Season 8 was bolstered by key sponsors:
- Title Sponsor: SK Shipping Line
- Co-Sponsors: Huracan Evo Rent a Car, Nuqi Gold, Zone Delivery Services, Prime Health, Chinar Wing, AS Management, and Superb Glow Contracting.
Hamid Paracha, owner of SK Shipping Line, lauded the event: “We are thrilled to see youth engaging in cricket and other healthy activities. Sports foster fitness and energy, values I cherish even in my business life.”
Adeel Munawar, owner of Huracan Evo Rent a Car, shared his enthusiasm: “The energetic crowd highlighted the UAE’s love for cricket. Our luxury Ferrari showcase became a fan-favourite, adding excitement to the event.”
A family-friendly festival
The tournament wasn’t just about cricket; it was a vibrant community celebration. Families enjoyed a dedicated Kids’ Play Area and an interactive Games Zone, hosted by the dynamic duo of Muhammad Ashiq and Fahad Shahid. Food lovers indulged in a lively Pakistani Desi Food Festival, featuring traditional delicacies from Rahat Sweet and Restaurant and Seavour Food.
In addition to entertainment, the event prioritised community wellness with a free health check-up booth set up by Prime Health for attendees.
PID’s sports manager, Asif Billa, and group CEO, Fahad Shahid, extended their heartfelt gratitude to the organising team, including Zahaib Nabeel, Sheikh Umer Farooq, Syed Iftikhar, Zain Haider, Waleed Parveez, Rida Arsalan, Rija Obaid, Filza, Rabeea Khan, Muhammad Azeem Raza, and numerous volunteers. They also thanked participating families for their enthusiasm and support, which contributed to the event’s resounding success.
Looking ahead, PID aims to transform its platform into a “Mini Google” for overseas communities, fostering job creation, business connections, and community engagement on a global scale.