Al Ain took the lead in 1989 to form Al Ain Cricket Association (ACA) as being the first cricket
body in UAE to organize cricket activities. Though cricket used to be played in Al Ain much
earlier way back in 1974, there was a lot of enthusiasm but no infrastructure. Many an occasion
games were marred by unruly and rowdy behavior whenever a decision would not suit a player.
Even though there were a few good teams such as WED, Al Ain Club, Pakistan Centre and Majid Club,
a few teams became notorious for players which other teams would avoid. ACA started organizing
all tournaments and other activities officially once it was formed and now all the tournaments
are held under the aucipices of ACA like other emirates.
Due to extremely hot summers in this 'garden city' surrounded by desert, the cricket activities
run from late September until the end of April. There are more than 20 'B' division (junior)
teams and eight 'A' division teams registered with the ACA. Clubs/teams and their players have
to be registered with the ACA to participate in the various tournaments. There are more than 350
players registered with ACA comprising Pakistani, Indians, Sri Lankans, South Africans and even
some UAE nationals as well as a West Indian. There are five cricket grounds with cemented pithes
which can be seen on your left side if you drive along the road going to Oman from the Hilton to
Intercontinental.The grounds are full of activity with players and their supporters over the
weekends during the cricket season.
The ACA manages all the matters related to cricket from conducting tournaments to inviting teams
from other emirates, dealing with disciplinary cases or any disputes, ensuring that this
gentleman's game is played in the best of spirit and players follow code and conduct of cricket.
There are four major tournaments held during the season including ACA Winter League, Jinnah Cup,
Nehru Cup and Al Ain Summer League in which both 'A' and 'B' division teams participate. A
seven-a-side tourney is usually a feature of UAE National Day. The matches are supervised by
official umpires appointed by the tournament committee. Besides these tournaments the ACA
selects its own teams of talented players to represent in tournaments in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and
Sharjah like the Bukhatir League and NMC trophy.
One of ACA's main area of promoting cricket is to encourage young budding players by conducting
coaching at the cricket nets at the grounds five days a week from 5-7pm in summer and 4-6.30pm in
the winter. Already ACA under-17 has reached the semi-final of under-17 cricket tourney being
played at Sharjah comprising teams of under-17 from the schools round the UAE. Recently,
ACA under 17 and under-13 teams comprehensively beat both their opponents from Shrjah Cricket
Academy supervised by ex-Pakistani National Coach and captain Mushtaq Mohammad. It was a great
boost for Al Ain cricket. And another great accomplishment was when 3 boys from Al Ain were
chosen to represent the UAE Under-17 team which took part in the recently concluded ICC Asia
Youth Cup held in Pakistan.
All this goes to show the commitment and talent the youngsters have here in this oasis.
The team representatives choose the ACA members which comprise the President, Vice President,
General Secretary, Finance Secretary, Tournament Secretary and Assistant Tournament Secretary.
All the office bearers work on a voluntary basis and are elected for a two year period.
Mr. Saeed Ateeq Salem is the Chairman of ACA who also chairs Abu Dhabi Cricket Council meetings.
All the match reports are sent to newspapers in UAE every week during the season to let others
know of our players performances and to let the sports readers know that cricket is very much
alive in Al Ain.
Unlike Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there is scarcity of sponsors for cricket activities in
Al Ain. It is an uphill task to attract sponsors due to Al Ain's limited commercial enterprises
as compared to other emirates. But sponsors like Al Faraa Construction, UAE Excahnge, Al Ghazal
Restaurant and Nazim Group of Companies have proved to be great supporters of cricket in Al Ain.
If more sponsors could come forward it would help a great deal in grooming the young talented
kids and who knows they may represent UAE national team one day. But we are trying to keep Al
Ain Cricket flag up despite our limited resources.
For any further information on Al Ain Cricket please do not hesitate to call anytime:
Dr. Ahmad Tariq Ansari
Tel : 050-6231590 (Mobile)
Tel : 03-703-6942 (Office)
