Other than my studies, I apply my full concentration on sports, and when it comes to cricket, I really go wild. My ambition is to play for the Indian National Cricket Team. I started playing cricket at the age of nine in Madras, India, but I’m overjoyed that I can now play in Abu Dhabi.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world. Developed in Great Britain, this gentleman’s sport is played today in countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the West Indies.
Cricket was introduced to the UAE by England in the late 1860s after the discovery of oil. The UAE cricket team participated in the World Cup in 1969 in which they won one match against The Netherlands.
In recent years, organisers in the capital have developed and encouraged cricket, bringing in international matches such as India v Pakistan, Australia v England, West Indies v Sri Lanka and more. In fact, Pakistan’s cricket home ground is now the capital of the UAE.
The organisers have also developed a lot tournaments and academies. The top academy in the capital is the MCC Zayed Cricket Academy where Highway E22 meets Highway E33 near Sas al Nakhl Village. Today many young cricketers are learning the game of cricket in this academy and get the opportunity to play with international teams.
Do you want to see some passionate cricket? At the moment, thirteen schools are participating in the Lifebuoy Abu Dhabi inter-school under-14 cricket tournament, including the team I play on for my school, the Abu Dhabi Indian School. This tournament, which will continue until February 2011, contributes a lot of enthusiasm and fun for the schools and the young players. Last year the Sherwood CBSE School were the champions.
If you love cricket as much as I do, you can find out more about the Lifebuoy tournament and other matches going on at the MCC Zayed Cricket Stadium by going to www.adcricketclub.ae, emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling 02 558 8331. I hope to see you there!
John Surya, age 13
