Dubai: The fourth edition of AUZ T20 Blast, a cricket tournament featuring players from Bhatkal and surrounding areas living in the UAE, will begin on Sunday, November 8, at the BWCC ground in Sharjah.
Following three successful editions, the tournament will feature eight teams, with Auz Challengers returning as defending champions after defeating Fab11 in last season's final.
The participating teams are Auz Challengers, Fab11, Dr. Haneef Warriors, Rising Stars, Luxury Zone, Ajman Brothers, Arabian Dominators and Nawayath Cricketers Dubai (NCD).
The teams have been divided into two groups. Group A comprises Fab11, Ajman Brothers, Auz Challengers and Luxury Zone, while Group B includes Rising Stars, Arabian Dominators, Dr. Haneef Warriors and NCD. Under the league rules, only players from Bhatkal and surrounding areas are eligible to participate.
A mega auction was held on October 12, attracting 185 registered players, of whom 128 were picked by the eight teams.
Fardin Mavad emerged as the most expensive player at the auction, fetching 190 points. Ubadha Barmawar was bought for 175 points, followed by Sawwaf Kazi (135), Malik Damda (110) and Abdul Bari Khateeb (100).
AUZ media coordinator Abdul Muqit said the matches had been scheduled on Sundays and designated holidays, keeping in mind that most players remain occupied with their jobs and other commitments on weekdays.
The league stage will be played over three Sundays — November 8, 15 and 22 — with four matches scheduled each day. The playoffs will follow, culminating in the grand final on December 2 at 4 pm, coinciding with the UAE National Day holiday.
On the opening day, Fab11 will take on Luxury Zone at 9 am, followed by Rising Stars versus NCD at 1 pm. Ajman Brothers will face defending champions Auz Challengers at 5 pm, while Arabian Dominators will meet Dr. Haneef Warriors at 9 pm.
The playoff schedule includes Qualifier 1 on November 27, the Eliminator on November 28 and Qualifier 2 on November 29. The grand final will be played between the winners of the two qualifying matches.
The AUZ Blast organisers have invited families and cricket enthusiasts from Bhatkal, Murdeshwar, Manki and surrounding areas living in the UAE to attend the matches and encourage the participating teams.