Syed Fahad (R), western region manager, Air Arabia, speaks as (from L) Khalid Alvi (senior marketing communication executive, Jotun), Anwar Sadath VP (TCF sponsorship head), Mohammed Faseesh (TCF president), Faisal Karim (marketing manager, Jotun) look on.
JEDDAH — TCF (Tellicherry Cricket Forum) is gearing up for the 7th annual championship, which will kick off at the new BMT floodlit stadium opposite Al-Waha Hotel by Sitteen Street on March 20. The day and night tennis ball cricket tournament, which is dubbed as TCF-Jotun Champions Trophy 2015, will conclude on April 10. This was announced by TCF officials at a press conference attended by representatives from sponsors and media. The new stadium has better facilities with players' dugout, attractive pavilion and spacious gallery for spectators. A special media room has been arranged at the ground with internet connection to send live reports and photos. The winner will be awarded Jotun Trophy and the runner-up will receive FSN Cup. The four-week-long tournament is mainly sponsored by Jotun. The co-sponsors are FSN (Faisal S. Al-Naimi Est.), Air Arabia, Al-Shamasi Contracting, Kool Dezign, Arcoma Equipments, Tires and Lubricants and Pullman Hotel and Resorts. Out of 30 entries, 16 teams have been selected for the championship. The teams have been divided into four groups of four teams each and the top team from every group will qualify for the semifinals. The teams have players from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Apart from the winner and runner-up trophies, various other prizes will be given to best performers as Man of the Match award for all matches, Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Man of the Series, Best Fielder, Best All-rounder, Fastest Fifty and the special Spirit of the Game award for the team which shows utmost sportsmanspirit and discipline. There will also be fun games and instant cricket quiz during the match breaks for the spectators. The winners will be awarded exciting prizes, including air tickets. An official opening ceremony will see a grand march-past of all teams accompanied by TCF kids. Jotun officials Faisal Karim (marketing manager), Khalid Alvi (senior marketing executive) and Shygil Moideen (finance & system manager), Najib Edrriss (general manager, Pullman Hotel & Resorts), Syed Fahad (Air Arabia, western region manager), Hamza Al-Haddar (divisional manager, Arcoma), M.K. Shafeek (general manager, Al-Shamasi Contracting) attended the press conference. TCF Tournament convener Abdul Khader Mochery welcomed the guests and attendees. Anwar Sadath briefed the gathering on TCF activities and introduced TCF members. Riaz Abdulkhader gave details on the format and team's names. TCF President Mohammed Faseesh introduced sponsors. Secretary Shamseer proposed a vote of thanks. TCF officials Tajmal Babu, Shahanad and Zafeel also attended the meeting. All match results with photos and videos will be updated on TCF Facebook page. — SG
