JEDDAH: Like a breath of fresh air a new cricket organization has been launched in Jeddah. It effectively takes over the mantle of leadership in the promotion of cricket in the Kingdom from the oldest organization in the sport.
The launch of JCA (Jeddah Cricket Association) on Sept. 23, at an iftar party hosted by former JCL (Jeddah Cricket League) Executive Committee members, was the result of the refusal of the present JCL leader to call elections after a one-year wait and his perceived undemocratic policies that made life difficult for cricket stakeholders in Jeddah.
Thus it was decided it’s high time to have a new organization that would best serve the interests of teams, players and aficionados of the game of cricket.
If the numbers were any indication it’s highly likely that JCL would have a difficult time in competing with the new organization. Two representatives from each of the 36 JCL clubs attended the launch-cum-iftar-party and four other clubs had shown interest to join the JCA. JCL has also been served notice to vacate the grounds in north Obhur after the lease agreement it signed with the National Commercial Bank (NCB) ended. After the Eid more teams are expected to join the JCA.
After the iftar and Maghreb prayers the program launching JCA started with the recitation of Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Shehzad of NCB.
Syed Majeed Ul Hassan, who was the master of ceremony, lamented the difficulties faced by the cricketers and the teams the last one year due to undemocratic policies adopted by the present leader of the existing organization. He said after waiting for one full year “we decided to launch this organization.” In his welcome address, Aizaz Ashraf Toor, a member of JCA’s ad hoc committee, urged the attendees to support the new organization that will push transparency and democratic policies in the conduct of its duties and responsibilities. Toor also briefed the audience about the status of the JCL Complex in north Obhur.
Aijaz Ahmed Khan, a member of the ad hoc committee, announced the JCA’s program of activities in the forthcoming season. To be played in different categories, the centerpiece event of the association is the Super League, a 35 overs a side full day matches. Division-I and Division-II will have 20 overs a side matches in afternoon and morning sessions respectively for players who cannot give full day but only part of their weekend. There will be youth development plan consisting of U-12, U-14, U-17 & U-19 tournaments on Thursdays. An inter- school tournament featuring different age groups is also being planned as well as cricket for fun and family get-together during the winter season.
There will be single and double wicket events and six-a-side tournament followed by the Pakistan and Indian Independence Day event, Eid Milan festival matches, Saudi National Day tournament, President-XI vs Vice President-XI traditional matches, inter-consulate matches and intercity matches.
Khan said JCA will conduct coaching camps for different age groups, and seminars and symposiums on umpiring. In closing, Khan said the players will get a chance to participate international events under the banner of a licensed body recognized by the ACC (Asian Cricket Counil) and ICC (International Cricket Council).
The charismatic Mohammad Chowdry Iqbal, one of the pillars in cricket, fielded questions from club representatives.
Sayeed Ul Hassan delivered the vote of thanks and assured the club representatives of a healthy and dynamic cricket season ahead. Majeed Ul Hassan concluded the program by saying that this organization is for the clubs and that members will have a say on matters of mutual interest. Elections for the Executive Committee will be held within 90 days after the first general assembly meeting.
Ahmed Jeelani of NCB is the chairman of the ad hoc committee. In addition to Toor, Majeed Ul Hassan and Khan the other members of the ad hoc committee are Zafar Ali Khan, Akhtar Hussain, and Azizulah Sheriff.
