The sixth Jeddah Champions Trophy Cricket Tournament, organized by Azizia Deccan team in association with Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC), will kick off at the Suleimania cricket complex here Friday. The tournament is mainly sponsored by Al-Miawiah and Al-Salem York. The co-sponsors are Aqualite, Clas, G21 Optics and Intalaka Group. The trophies for the tournament are unveiled by guests and dignitaries at a launching ceremony, held at Al-Shababia hall here recently. Nadeem Nadwi, SCC CEO; Sadiqul Islam, cricketing affairs manager of SCC; Wesam Iskanderani, marketing manager; Khaled Al-Mushare, director operations of Al-Salem York Jhonson & Control; and invited guests and dignitaries graced the ceremony. JCT President Ali Mohammed Khan attributed the instant success of the tournament to the support from the teams, sponsors and the hard work of every individual linked to it. He thanked the main sponsors Al-Miawiah and Al-Salem York and the co-sponsors. Forty teams are vying for honors this year and the three-month-long event is scheduled to conduct its finale on Jan. 27, 2017. In all, 111 matches are scheduled to be played in the sixth edition of the championship. Nadwi, speaking during the ceremony, said that SCC would provide support to the umpires and scorers who are willing to learn more about the Laws of Cricket. He also advised all the teams to play it fair and according to rules of the tournament. Iskanderani said that he was surprised to note the interest in the game of cricket and the amount of talent associated with it. He wished all the best for JCT for a successful tournament. Participating teams: Azizia Deccan, KSA Blue, Azizia Deccan Avengers, KSA Green, Azizia Deccan Smashers, KSA Red, Kingdom CC, Spark XI, Reliance, Barkatiya 11, Archirodon Lions, Jeddah Gladiators, United Carton CC, Kings XI Hyderabad, Super Chargers, Jeddah Warriors Club, Mangalore Friends, Hyderabad Warriors, Bugshan Hospital CT, Independence CC, Kokan XI, Yorkshire, Arabian XI, Hyderabad Royals, York Chargers, Jeddah Strikers, Nazar Guys, Mahajar Heroes CC, Friends CT, Coastal Gladiators, Barkatiya CC, Khind CC, Gulf West, Hyderabad Strikers, Prime XI, Marha Travels, Elite CC, IOE and Bhatkal CA Jeddah. — SG
