JEDDAH, 22 September 2005 —The India Festival Cricket Matches of different age groups organized by Indian Consulate Jeddah in association with Jeddah Cricket League will be played today at the new JCL Complex here.
JCL coordinator Afsar Fahim said it’s a great honor for JCL to be part of India festival, which is an idea of Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General Of India and Dr. Suhail Aijaz Khan, Consul Hajj and the Director of India Forum.
The festival, which had lined up many other activities, was inaugurated Sept. 8 and will continue up to the end of the month.
Twelve teams from different Indian schools are entered. Also on tap are matches between CGI-XI vs. JCL XI and India Forum XI vs. JCL XI.
The selection of players was made in a way that will accommodate as many Indians from different states of the country, their availability, interest and willingness to participate. The school boys matches will be played seven a side with the new rules of super extras and many other local rules added for their entertainment value.
The other major age group matches will be played 18 overs a side with special rules. The Indian community including families is invited to watch the unique cricket event and enjoy the beautiful view of the beach as well in Obhur.
Fahim said all the arrangements, from the ground preparations such as grading, leveling and compacting of the grounds and marking the boundaries to setting up tents for the players and visitors, route signs from Madina checkpoint to the JCL Complex, have been completed under the supervision of the JCL Excom members and volunteers.
JCL Excom XI will be led by Fahim and the India Forum XI by Dr. Suhail Aijaz Khan. CGI XI is to be captained by T.M. Tajuddin while Saleem Nahdi will lead the JCL XI. Dr. Iqbal Musani and Sultan Marzharuddin will provide the running commentary of the matches using sound system arranged by Franky of Reel & Rom.
The master of ceremony will be Majidul Hassan and the ground utilities will be under Saeedul Hassan. The chief guest in the event is Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Afsar Fahim. Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal will deliver the welcome address and vote of thanks. There will also be cricket drill presentation by IISJ school children.
