TCF President Anwar Sadath (3rd L), speaks during a press conference with (from L) media co-ordinator Abdul Khader, Vice President T.M. Anwar Sadat, Secretary Faseesh, PRO Faheem, Tournament Convenor P.O. Shamseer in Jeddah Tuesday. JEDDAH — The Tellichery Cricket Forum (TCF) is gearing up for its fifth day and night tennis ball cricket tournament for FSN Cup at the Baghdadiya ground here next month. The weekend championship is mainly sponsored by FSN (Faisal Al-Naimi Est.). The co-sponsors are: Al-Jouf Tours & Travels, Air Arabia, Fadhil Hajj Group, Dazzle Tec, Strike, Mohsen Cargo, Hotel Alhamra Jeddah and Nokia. TCF, which was formed in 2008 by a group of cricket lovers from the north of Kerala state in India, has been conducting this event without break since its inception. It is open for all nationalities, including mainly Indians, Sri Lankans, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. President V.P. Anwar Sadath said at a press conference here Tuesday that this year's championship is set to open on March 14. The organizers have planned a colorful opening, involving all teams for the inaugural ceremony which will be presided over by Sri Lankan Consul General Dr. Adambawa Uthumalebbe. Though the official inauguration is scheduled for 8.30 p.m., matches will start at 4.30 p.m. Due to immense pressure from cricket clubs for entries, the organizers have included four more teams to make it 16 in all. The teams are: reigning champion ABT Cargo, runner-up Nokia Tuskers, SL Malay, Ford, Target Guys, Mednet, KKR, Khiladees, Tech Yorker, UPS, ATS, Day to Day, Lothers, Strike, Al-Jouf and Dazzle XI. The teams will be equally divided into four groups and the pool winners will qualify for the semifinals. There will be 27 matches in all and the final will be played on March 29. Apart from trophies for the winner and the runner-up, various other performance awards such as Man-of-the-Match for all matches, Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Man-of-the-Series, Best Fielder, Best All-rounder, Fastest Fifty and the Spirit of the Game are also at stake. There will be fun games for the spectators during the match breaks and exciting prizes including air tickets will be awarded to the winners. The press conference was also attended by FSN Regional Manager Afsal Babu Adiraja and Al-Jouf Tours & Travels represtative Roman Rafeeq. The TCF was represented by Sadath, Vice President T.M. Anwar Sadat, Secretary Faseesh, PRO Faheem, Tournament Convenor P.O. Shamseer and Media Co-ordinator Abdul Khader. — SG
