The Peninsula
Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) yesterday announced it is set to host a ‘blockbuster’ T20 clash between an International XI and Qatar’s national side on December 18.
QCA President Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari said the Asian Town Cricket Stadium will host the annual feature being staged with ‘long-standing’ support of the Ministry of Interior (MoI).
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt will lead an array of Test cricketers during the QND clash.
Butt, a veteran of 33 Tests and 78 One Day Internationals ODIs), will be joined by Pakistan players’ all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, Rana Naveedul Hassan, and Sohail Tanveer.
Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis, India’s Satvir Singh, and Afghanistan’s Fazel Rahman Zazai are also part of the International XI.
“We are celebrating this important cricket event on our calendar with help from MoI,” Al Kuwari said at a pre-event press conference yesterday.
“I am thankful to the international players who will join us on Qatar National Day celebrations. It will be a T20 clash,” he said. “We are expecting a full crowd as the entry to the match venue is free. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors without whom we would not be able to pull off such a great event,” he added.
Butt, Pakistan’s former skipper in Tests and ODIs, said yesterday: “First of all I would like to congratulate Qatar and its people on the National Day that is coming up.”
The 35-year-old batsman added: “I am thrilled to be part of the show here. We are already playing in the Q10 League. The players are happy to participate in this match which should attract a great crowd.” Butt said: “I believe Qatar has huge cricket potential. They have talented players. They need such matches and series to take cricket to the next level.”
Zazai, the Afghan all-rounder, said: “I am thrilled to be here. I am a batting all-rounder. I look forward to playing good cricket. I am here to learn and enjoy the game.”
Mendis, a veteran of 19 Tests and 87 ODIs, said yesterday: “I thank QCA for inviting us for this event. The players are thrilled to be here and we look forward to some exciting cricket.”
Al Kuwari said: “The entry to the stadium is free. Cricket on our National Day is a big event as we have lined up a series of events on the sidelines of the match. I expect people to come in and enjoy what should be a great spectacle.”