Almaeena opens TCF tourney in Jeddah

He commended the close cooperation among the Keralite community and their organizing abilities.
 “The Keralites are a good example for other expatriate communities in the Kingdom,” he said.
Almaeena, a onetime cricket player, opened the tournament by bowling to the applause of team members and cricket fans who assembled at the ground opposite Madinah Palace Hotel.
He appreciated the efforts of Tellicherry Cricket Forum (TCF) in organizing such a grand tournament, bringing together different expatriate groups. Twelve teams are taking part in the Shifa Jeddah Champions Trophy Cricket tournament. In the inaugural match defending champions Dynamic Cricket played with Target Guys. Other matches are Kanoo Cricket vs. Azizia Royals, Srilankan Malay vs. Al Noor Medical Group, and Senior Alliance vs. Intercontinental Hotel.
TCF President Tajmal Babu thanked Almaeena for coming and spending his valuable time with players and organizers, and for Arab News’ support to the tournament.
Earlier, Almaeena and other guests were introduced to captains of different teams. “We are happy that twelve top cricket clubs in the city are taking part in the tournament this year. It has generated much enthusiasm and interest among lovers of the game,” Babu said.
The teams are divided into four pools and each team will play two matches in the knock out round. Four top qualified teams will play in the semifinals on Jan. 20 and the final will be held on Jan. 21.
The TCF president thanked all sponsors and well-wishers for their support to promote cricket in the Kingdom. Apart from winners and runner-up trophies, there will be special prizes for man of the matches, best batsman, best bowler, man of the series, best fielder, best all-rounder, and fastest fifty in addition to “Spirit of the Game” award for a team, which shows their utmost sportsmen spirit and discipline.