ALKHOBAR, 15 November 2005 — A meeting to wrap up preparations for the EPCA’s centerpiece event of the 2005-2006 season dubbed Al-Tuwairqi League was held on Sunday.
Al-Tuwairqi League opens on Friday with matches to be played on various grounds in Dammam and Alkhobar. The tournament is being staged after the successful SAMASCO Ramadan Cup 2005.
Representatives of EPCA member-clubs attended the meeting at Lasani Restaurant- Alkhobar. Khaled Almaeena, editor in chief, Arab News, an ardent cricket fan, was the chief guest. A warm welcome was extended to him by the EPCA’s executive committee and audience.
In his welcome speech, Syed Aftab Ahmad, one of the patrons of EPCA, briefed the chief guest and the audience about the performance and progress of the original EPCA which has been working tirelessly for the last 26 years.
Aftab also mentioned about the challenges EPCA was facing due to external interference.
EPCA President Sikander Farooqui presented a plaque of thanks and appreciation to Almaeena.
In his address, Almaeena acknowledged the problems and difficulties faced by EPCA. He extended full support to the original EPCA. He also announced that Arab News will be one of the patrons of EPCA.
Almaeena advised all the cricket stakeholders in the Kingdom to avoid divisive politics and come together in the interest of the game. “Everybody should come forward without any affiliation,” he said.
On behalf of EPCA’s executive committee and member clubs, Farooqui expressed gratitude to Almaeena and Arab News in supporting the game.
During the meeting, the format of the Al-Tuwairqi League 2005-2006 was approved by the representatives of EPCA member-clubs and the executive committee. The draws were also held.
The tournament is divided into the Premier Division and First Division and played on a home and away basis. Premier Division consists of seven teams and the First Division five teams. The top two teams from each division will be declared as winner and runner-up.
