52 November 2013 www.bahrainthismonth.com happeningssportsrecreation The helmets and pads are out and the gloves are off; it’s time for the crash of wood against ball as the new cricket season bursts into action. Rolling of the grounds started over the Eid holidays so that the cricket season could bounce into action as the weather cools. Expect a packed schedule of 20-, 25- and 50-over tournaments from now on until next year, with the first league match already having been played on October 25. The season has taken off with the 25-over league and knockout tournament in a new format. There are three groups comprising four teams each. The contesting teams are; Group A (Khan CC, BCC A, Asian Lions and Sri Lanka Club), Group B (Titans CC, Indian Club, Public Security and ABM Climax), and Group C (BCC, AVIS Young Challengers, Ritz Carlton and Young Boys). All matches take place on Fridays throughout November with the tournament moving to the knockout stage in December. The final will be held on December 20. Preparation of the pitches for the new season on Bahrain’s arid grounds have included being rolled using a special technique and with materials to create a more solid surface. Umpires have undertaken a refresher course as well. The teams play for total prize money of BD1,000, which includes cash prizes for teams, best bowler, best batsman and man of the match final awards. Fair selection A new selection process has been put into place to avoid any past mistakes and to make the criteria more inclusive and transparent. This new system takes into account several points, including players’ past track record. For this tournament, the basic requirements are that a player must have played a minimum five, 20-over (T20) games in the current year in CBA league. A preliminary selection of 50 takes place with each player participating in three to five T20 matches. The final 18 are selected based on their performance in the T20 League, trial matches, fitness, availability, past experience and past performance. The task of player selection is carried out by the executive and coaches committees. Some of the players to look out for are Adil Hanif, Azeem Ul Haque, Babar Ali, Shabbir Ahmed, Shehzad Siddique, Imran Sajjad and Tahir Dar. Follow the league During the league stage, four teams for each group meet for six matches. Out of the initial 12 teams, eight will enter the knock-out round and will battle out in the four quarter-final matches. Four teams then meet in semi-finals and the winners collide in the final showdown. Bahrain Cricket Association (BCA) is the official governing body of the sport of cricket in Bahrain. The BCA is the Kingdom’s representative at the International Cricket Council and has been an affiliated member since 2001, as well as being a member of the Asian Cricket Council. E Call 39 673-769. Starting a New Innings When? Throughout November | Event? BCA 25-Over professional league | Venue? Various When? November 1 and 6 Event? Friendly match Venue? TBA Bahrain’s women’s national football team will play against Qatar. E Call 17 685-775. When? November 1-33 Event? Bahrain International Series Venue? The Indian Club The Indian Club co-organises this multi-sport championship. E Call 39 401-279. When? November 15 Event? Football tournament Venue? Al Qadisiya Club The Young Goans Club holds a seven-a-side tournament. E Call 39 659-539. When? November 22 Event? 1st BREEF Show Jumping Championship Venue? BDF Equestrian Centre, Sakhir This season’s first show jumping competition gets under way. E Call 17 836-199. When? Throughout November Event? CBA T25 Championship Venue? Various The 25-over league matches start reaching knock-out stage in December. E Call 39 673-769.
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