MADINAH, 25 January — The prize distribution function for Madinah Cricket Association’s first Saudi Arabian Airlines Cup Cricket Tournament was held at the Al-Harithy Sheraton hotel here recently.
Abdul Hamid Al-Jahdali, vice president for sales and passenger services for Saudia was the chief guest. He came from Jeddah accompanied by Hatim Zarea, general manager north area for sales and passenger services.
Among other dignitaries were Hani Mukhtar, manager Saudia Madinah Munawwara, Ibrahim Abdul Hameed Kurdi, sales and marketing manager, Saudia sales coordinator Abdul Aziz, A. Abu Laban, Ziad Abdul Wahab Al-Dakheel, Dr. Syed Insram Ali and Iqbal Chaudhry, executive secretary of Jeddah Cricket League. Proceedings started with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an. Stage secretary Saeed Omer invited the guests to make speeches.
Ibrahim Kurdi opened the session of the speeches. He briefed the audience about Saudia’s sponsorship and gave details about the tournament. Later, Hani Mukhtar, the Saudia manager, praised MCA’s efforts in promoting the game. He also announced that Saudia will continue to sponsor the game of cricket under the banner of MCA.
Iqbal Chaudhry also addressed the audience. He said JCL was aware that MCA was progressing in very difficult circumstances. He advised all MCA members to support Zahid Ali. He congratulated the winners of the tournament and advised other teams to work harder to win next ime. Zafar Makki,a member of JCL executive committee also attended the ceremony and received certificates on behalf of JCL umpires who officiated in the tournament.
MCA president Zahid Ali was thankful to Saudia for sponsoring the tournament. He welcomed all the guests and chief guest Abdul Hamid Al-Jahdali. He gave a short history of cricket and its progress in Madinah during the last eleven years.
He praised all of the multinational and world fame organizations like Saudia, Madinah Oberoi and Fuchs Petroleum for their cooperation in promoting the game.
Zahid Ali also appreciated his executive committee team for their efforts to make the tournament and the prize distribution successful. He singled out Aslam Mughal, Hashmat Qazi, Munwar Ali Jawed, Amanet Ali and Ashiq for special praise. The final speech was given by the chief guest Abdul Hamid Al-Jahdali. He express his pleasure about the success of the tournament. He also declared that Saudia will continue to play its role in promoting the game of cricket in Saudi Arabia.
Later on prizes were given away to position-winning teams, successful players and service awards which included Aslam Mughal, Hashmat Qazi, Munawar Ali Jawed, Amanat Ali and Ashiq.
All the awards were presented by Abdul Hamid Al-Jahdali, accompanied by Hatim Zarea and Hani Mukhtar.
Ijaz Ahmad of Pak Madinah was declared as the best bowler and man of the tournament. Best batsman prize was given to Shakeel Shah and best wicketkeeper to Salahuddin both from Saudi Oger.
Man of the semifinals trophy was received by Tahir Butt of Binladin and Ahsan Butt of Samsung. Tahir Butt was declared as man of the final. The consolation cup was received by Sultan Shah of Khan Sports. Fourth position trophy was taken by Adil Sharbejee of Saudi Oger. Asim Zain’s Pak Madinah secured the 3rd position. Captain of Samsung, Mushtaq received the trophy of runners-up and Zafar Abbasi of Binladin was handed the winning trophy. MCA President Zahid Ali presented mementos to Abdul Hamid Al-Jahdali, Hani Mukhtar, Ibrahim Kurdi and Abdul Aziz Abu Laban.
