Dubai Cricket Council’s Shiva Pagarani was present during the event at the Melia Hotel for the draws that determined the groupings.

Moin Mohammad, Organiser CricOn Sports Services; Rakesh B Poduval, Regional Head-Marketing (MENA & AFPAK) Xpress-Money; Saurabh Tiwari, Director of Food & Beverage, Melia Dubai and Rajesh Mampayil, Divisional Director – Beverage Division NTDE, were also present.

A total of 16 teams will compete in a league-cum-knock out format. The teams are divided into four groups with each group consisting of four teams. The top teams enter the knockout stage.

A total of Dh50,000 worth cash and prizes is up for grabs while each team will get to play a minimum of three league matches and will be provided with coloured kits and refreshments.

Pagarani said: “Dubai Cricket Council is proud to be supporting this tournament. The council has always supported the game in the right earnest and we look forward to some great cricketing action over the next three weeks.”

The teams include Abu Dhabi Media, Chargers CC, Cricon, Desert King Waterproofing, Etihad Airways, EmiratesNBD, Globelink West Star, Gourmet CC, Hard Hitters, Interface Transworld, Melia Dubai, Multiplex, NTDE, Radio 4, Fly Emirates, Wombats.

Moin Mohammed, Director of CricOn Sports Services, while thanking the Dubai Cricket Council and the sponsors for their support, said: “We are happy to announce the first edition of the Power Horse Twenty20 Cricket Tournament. We are thankful to Dubai Cricket Council and our sponsors for their immense support.

“We are delighted with the kind of response we got from the teams and the eagerness they showed to be part of this tournament. We promise them they will have some wonderful experience playing in our tournament as we wish all the teams the very best,” he added.

While Power Horse Energy Drink is the main sponsor, Melia is hospitality partner, NTDE is the refreshment partner. Radio 89.1FM is the Radio partner.