By Zeeshan Hussain
KARACHI, Director Wing999 Sports Jan Sher Ashrafi has said that Karachi cricket is reaching new heights under the leadership of Regional Cricket Association Karachi (RCA Karachi) President Nadeem Omar, while the initiatives taken by the current RCA Karachi leadership for the promotion of the game are highly commendable. Addressing the closing ceremony of the Wing999 Inter-Departmental Cricket League, organized by RCA Karachi in collaboration with Wing999 Sports, he said Wing999 Sports had closely observed the performance of Nadeem Omar and his team before joining hands with RCA Karachi. He announced that Wing999 Sports would continue to organize inter-departmental tournaments in collaboration with RCA Karachi to provide maximum opportunities to Karachi’s cricketers. RCA Karachi Secretary Ali Hussain also praised Nadeem Omar’s services, saying his efforts for Karachi cricket were reflected in the performances of the city’s teams.
Chairman RCA Karachi Tournament Committee Khalid Nafees said that despite a severe shortage of grounds, the volume of cricket played in Karachi during the past three years was unprecedented. Responding to recent comments by some former Test cricketers regarding club cricket, he said the actual state of Karachi cricket should be judged by the activity on the grounds rather than statements made on television programmes. Clarifying reports regarding Nadeem Omar’s appointment as RCA Karachi President, Khalid Nafees categorically stated that he was neither appointed nor nominated through any recommendation, but was elected through a proper electoral process. He said the association’s response would come through cricket, opportunities for emerging players and improved performances by Karachi’s teams.
Khalid Nafees also directed RCA Karachi office-bearers, zonal presidents and officials to avoid unnecessary responses to criticism and remain focused on the promotion of cricket. Joint Secretary Muhammad Touseef Siddiqui said RCA Karachi would continue its journey under the leadership of Nadeem Omar and announced that the association would launch its Talent Hunt Programme in August. The first phase will feature the Touch Me Trophy Under-15 Inter-Zonal Cricket Tournament, aimed at identifying talented young cricketers from across Karachi and providing them opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities.
Meanwhile, Omar Associates won the Wing999 Inter-Departmental Cricket League title by defeating YJ Sports by 20 runs in the final. Batting first, Omar Associates scored 202 runs, with Adeel Meo making 73, Ashir Ahmed 50 and Ziaullah 26, while YJ Sports were bowled out for 183 in reply. Danish Rafiq scored 38, Saleh Khan 37, Waleed Ahmed 33 and Haris Ali Khan 30. Zafar Ali took three wickets for the winners. At the prize distribution ceremony, Omar Associates captain Ashir Ahmed received the winners’ trophy and Rs500,000, while YJ Sports captain Waleed Ahmed received the runners-up trophy and Rs250,000. Arbaz Khan was named Best Batter, Waleed Ahmed Best Bowler, Fahad Ansari Player of the Tournament and Adeel Meo Player of the Final.
