Indians and Pakistanis to Take Part in Independence Day Cricket Events in Dubai
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Dubai as expatriates belonging to two of the biggest communities in the Emirate are greatly interested in the sports.
For both Pakistanis and Indians, who make up the vast majority of the expatriates residing in the emirate, cricket is nothing short of an obsession and during cricketing events taking place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stadiums are mostly filled with expats from these two countries.
Each year to commemorate the Independence Day of both Pakistan and India, the UAE’s senior umpire Tariq Butt stages two big cricketing events for the two communities with the backing of businessman and big cricket fan Freddy Sidhwa.
This year once again the two tournaments will take place like they have been for the past 24 years.
The tournament commemorating Pakistan’s Independence Day will take place on the second day of Eid at the Seven Seas Ground while the other commemorating India’s Independence Day will take place in September on either the sixth and 13th of the month due to Ramadan Holidays.
These events receive huge interest from both the Pakistani and Indian communities as it allows them to enjoy a great game of their favourite sport while also enjoying a great time with their friends and family.
Butt wishes to continue organising the event well into the future and is planning for a special event next year when the 25th edition of the two tournaments will take place.
The senior umpire has received great support from Pakistani and Indian businessmen in organising the event.
Pakistan businessman Ateef Waheed of Golden Line company provides sponsorship of the Pakistan Independence Day event while Indian tycoon Deepak Arora of City Diamonds and Al Wahda Contracting sponsors the Indian Independence Day Event.
Speaking to Gulf News Tariq Butt talked about the success of his brainchild events and said:
“I want to see these two tournaments reach the 25th year mark, which will happen next year. The response to play in these tournaments has always been excellent. It brings the Indians and Pakistanis in the UAE together.”
Adding further he said:
“We create a festival atmosphere during the tournament with refreshments so the day is remembered. I will be the happiest man if I can stage this event for the 25th year without a break. I will start preparation for the event early to make it very special next year.”
Both the Pakistani and Indian communities in Dubai look forward to the event where in addition to celebrating their independence day they also get to play and witness a great game of cricket.
Such events bring members of the community together while also providing them with a taste of their home countries.
