Saeed Al-Khotani (2nd L), Riyadh Bureau Chief of Saudi Gazette, receiving a plaque of appreciation for Khaled Almaeena, Saudi Gazette Editor-in-Chief, from Jawad Khalifa (L) and Mohammed Azharuddin (C) as Mamoor Elahi (2nd R) and Abdul Qadeer Mirza look on during the awarding ceremony of Saudi Gazette Inter-School Cricket Tournament in Riyadh recently. Razaur Rahman RIYADH – International Indian School Riyadh (IISR) clinched a double when the Saudi Gazette Inter-School Cricket Tournament, organized by Riyadh Cricket League (RCL), concluded at the RCL Complex here recently. While IISR defeated Pakistan International School Riyadh (PISR) Nasseriyah for the Under-19 honors, IISR Academy downed PISR Nasseriyah in the Under-16 final. Braving adverse weather, a large number of cricket fans thronged the RCL Complex, which is about 35 kms away from the city. The organizers had made separate seating arrangements for the families and the grounds looked in excellent condition as they were perfectly rolled, setting the stage for the grand finale. The tournament, which was played on a 20-over format, saw nine teams vying for honors. The schools' cricket fiesta was mainly sponsored by Saudi Gazette. Other sponsors included nasair, MBR Est. and Castrol. Representing chief guest Khaled Almaeena, Editor-in-Chief, Saudi Gazette, was Saeed Al-Khotani, Riyadh Bureau Chief. An array of special guests included former Indian cricket team captain and sitting MP of India Mohammad Azharuddin; Khalid Raja, MD, MBR; Abdul Qadeer Mirza, Group Manager, BSF and Chairman, Executive Council, SCC; Mubasahar Kiani, Dr. Mujahid and Salman Khan of RAC; Aftab Niazi, Naeem Siddiqui, SAMBA; Nasir Ali Khan, SABB; Razi Mohiuddin and principals from PISR, IISR, DPS, IPSR schools. In the U-16 final, IISR Academy defeated PISR Nasseriyah by 37 runs. Batting first, IISR scored 178-5 in 20 overs through Mukul Chichara 37, Mohammed Yahya 30 and Abdul Rahim 25. Waleed Khan took 2 wickets, while Mohammed Haseeb, Mohammed Sulaiman, Yasir Khan and Sufyan Arif claimed one each. In reply, PISR Nasseriyah was all out for 141. Waleed Khan made 25, Mohammed Sulaiman 23 and Yasir Khan 17. Mohammed Akefin and Masood took 3 wickets each, while Mukul, Faiyazuddin and Zohair got one each. Mohammad Masood was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match. In the U-19 final, IISR beat PISR Nasseriyah by 14 runs. Batting first, IISR tallied 206-5. Hisham Sheikh slammed a century (104) with 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. Abdulrehman made 25 and Bilal Khan 18. Anis Ali and Asad Shafiq took 2 wickets each, while Ahsan Abbas claimed one. In reply, PISR Nasseriyah managed 192-7. Adnan Khan remained unbeaten on 57. Anis Ali made 31 not out. Akif Afridi scored 25. Mohammed Faisal took 3 wickets and Abdul Rehman 2, while Hisham and Bilal grabbed one each. Hisham Sheikh was selected as the Man-of-the-Match. The prize distribution ceremony began with the recitation of a few verses from the Holy Qur'an. The shields, cups and trophies were distributed by Al-Khotani and Azharuddin. RCL's Senior Vice President Jawaid Munawar conducted the ceremony. All the sponsors were honored with memorial shields. The award for Saudi Gazette was received by Al-Khotani. Nasir Ali Khan was presented with a life-time achievement award and a cash prize of SR10,000. Awards were also given to Abdul Qadeer Mirza, Mubashar Kiyani, Dr. Mujahid, Razaur Rahman, Jawaid Munawar, Zakaria Hasan, Zunair Mohammad, Farhan Khairi, Hanif Baber and RCL Committee members. Performance awards: Under-16: Best Batsman — Malik Jamshed (PISR); Best Bowler — Mazin Abbas (IISR); Best All-Rounder — Mukul Chikra (IISR); Special Performance — Mohammed Haseeb (PISR); Man-of-the-Match first semis — Sulaiman (PISR); Man-of-the-Match second semis — Mukul Chikra (IISR); Man-of-the-Match final — Mohammad Masood (IISR). Teams standings: 1. IISR Academy, 2. PISR Nasseriyah, 3. DPS, 4. IIPS, 5. PISES, 6. IISR. Under-19: Best Batsman — Mohammad Matiullah (PISR); Best Bowler — Yassir Nasser (PISR); Best All-Rounder — Hisham Sheikh (IISR); Man-of-the-Match final — Hisham Sheikh (IISR). Teams standings: 1. IISR; 2. PISR; 3. PISR-ES. Mirza congratulated the RCL executive committee on the successful conclusion of the tournament and applauded the efforts of RCL Patron Jawad Khalifa and appreciated the efforts of RCL President Mamoor Elahi. RCL Senior Advisor Razaur Rahman briefed the gathering on RCL activities. Al-Khotani appreciated the efforts of RCL and assured the Saudi Gazette support for the promotion of the game in the Kingdom. He also applauded the efforts of Prince Sultan Bin Nasir Bin Abdelaziz Al-Saud. Azharuddin was delighted with the cricket activities and called for more infrastructure for the development of the game. Khalifa thanked Saudi Gazette and Azharuddin. Mamoor Elahi, RCL President, proposed a vote of thanks.
