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Gulf Today Report

Abu Dhabi Cricket (ADC) has affirmed its status as the pioneer in hosting the ICC approved events in 2020/2021.

They entered the record books for successfully delivering the most number of the high quality cricket matches in the last one year.

ADC have staged a total of 81 ICC-approved international matches, while with the support of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), a total of 123 matches were hosted in the UAE – a combined tally more than any other country in the world.

Maintaining the strict safety protocols to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone involved from players to coaching staff, administrators and ground staff, the capitals’ cricket body delivered a  number of world class cricketing events, which left an indelible impression on the mind of the fans and fraternity across the globe.

Thus the UAE and Abu Dhabi Cricket, in particular became the most sought after destination to host the flagship events.

With the support of National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority and other civic and sport bodies, ADC hosted the full edition of the Indian Premier League 2020, the Abu Dhabi T10, Pakistan Super League 6 after they were shifted from their countries due to prevailing coronavirus crisis.

ADC also hosted a number of one-day internationals, Test matches and Twenty20 Internationals played by Afghanistan, Ireland, UAE, and Zimbabwe across different tournaments.

A look at the stats will deliver a clear picture how ADC has evolved as the most sought after destination despite being an Affiliate Nation when the Test playing nations failed to host them.

It includes a whopping 244 practice sessions and 81 matches, in which 22,278 runs were scored with help of 2,229 fours and 959 sixes.

The batsmen ruled the roost and heart of the fans with amazing performance as the matches featured 103 fifties, 10 centuries scored by 26 teams from 15 countries.

Bowlers and fielders also had their share of pie as the period witnessed a total of 904 dismissals, facilitated by 554 spectacular catches.

Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Chairman of both the Emirates Cricket Board and Abu Dhabi Cricket Club, commented: “The hosting of such a large amount of cricket in the context of the pandemic is testament to the UAE’s leadership in the hosting and organizing of high caliber, global tournaments.

“Abu Dhabi Cricket has further bolstered the UAE capital’s flourishing reputation as an unmissable cricketing destination this season.”