|
|
|
| June 10, 2005 | Friday | Jumadi-ul-Awwal 2, 1426 |
Confident ECB ready for ICC Trophy
DUBAI, June 9: Emirates Cricket Board squad, armed with passion and a flinty resolve, are approaching “test of their life with a clear mindset” to win International Cricket Council Trophy in Ireland next month.
The victory — even a place among first five of 12-nation competition — will earn the team, sponsored by Dubai Sports City, a passage to World Cup 2007 in West Indies, something which will further cement their credentials as one of top fast track countries in Asia.
ECB boys are no cricketing neophytes, having rubbed shoulders with big boys in 1996-97 edition of World Cup and performing creditably against India and Sri Lanka in last Asia Cup.
But this ICC Trophy is “a different ball game. They aren’t going there for exposure or experience, but to have a crack at the trophy which will test their mental resolve and talent to the limit. The boys know enormity of task at hand and they are well prepared and have this intrinsic feeling that they can do it again.”
ECB vice-president Abdulrahman Falaknaz said, “we did it in our first attempt,” referring to the country’s victory in ICC Trophy in Kenya in 1994. It was a fantastic achievement and, God willing, we will do it again. We have no dearth of wonderful players. I am sure boys will do the country proud.”
The boys are going a bit early on June 15 for the event which starts on July 1 to get used to playing conditions and pick up steam. They will have a very good chance since ball will be swinging there. Moreover, they have with them Abid Ali, an experienced coach.
Coach Abid Ali said his boys have prepared hard. They are fully fit and have mental toughness to take up the challenge.
Khalid Abdulrahman Al Zarooni, president, Dubai Sports City, wished boys all success. “The game of cricket is bound to flourish here. ICC headquarters at Dubai City, ICC Global Academy and a new cricket stadium will all lead to triggering an explosion of interest in the game.”
U. Balasubramaniam, CEO, Dubai Sports City, said, “Dubai Sports City has a strong association with cricket, not only will we house first global ICC Cricket Academy, but ICC is relocating their headquarters to Dubai and ultimately to Dubai Sports City.—Agencies
|
|
|
|
