It's raining cricket stars at Detroit's Diversity Cup 2008

It's raining cricket stars at Detroit's Diversity Cup 2008
by DreamCricket USA
Jun 09, 2008

It's raining cricket stars at Detroit's Diversity Cup 2008

Detroit's cricket community is among the largest in the country, and perhaps the most resourceful. Not only does it boast two leagues, Detroit is the home of two of the best organized cricket events in the country.

The first of these, of course, is the Big 3 Cricket Challenge tournament which features Daimler Chrysler, GM and Ford both on the roster of participants and on the list of sponsors. Making the Big 3 the foremost 'corporate' cricket challenge in USA.

But it is the Diversity Cup which has attracted global attention and put Detroit on the world cricket map. With teams named after the main cricket playing nations, the cup has succeeded in drawing spectators as well as cricket stars. The level of competition too has been nothing short of spectacular.

Four teams played in the first year - Canada Maple Leafs, India Blues, Pakistan Greens and USA Stars. They were joined by Sri Lanka Lions and West Indies Masters in 2007.

Right from the inception, tournament has been Detroit's answer to the other big regional tournaments in USA. Whereas the famous cricketers that were featured in the past were mostly former cricket greats such as Azharuddin and Rizwan uz Zaman who played in 2006, or Asif Iqbal who was guest of honor in 2007, this year, the organizers are bringing in even greater star power.

The tournament that starts on June 21st features Shabbir Ahmed - Pakistan fast bowler who plays for ICL Pakistan and Mohammad Saif who has played for India U-19 as well as UP Ranji team. Saif is older brother of India's Mohammad Kaif.

Shabbir will play for Pakistan Greens whereas Mohammad Saif will play for India Blues. Former Pakistan test cricketers Asif Mujtaba and Rizwan uz Zaman are expected to play for the Greens as well. Pubudu Dassanayake who played 11 tests and 16 ODIs for Sri Lanka in the 90s will also participate in 2008.

Diversity Cup is back with more star power

The chief organizer, Global Sports, has also promised something that has only rarely been attempted in USA at the senior level - a live video broadcast of the tournament via the internet.

Motor city residents are lucky to have so much high-intensity cricket in their neighborhood in 2008. The Diversity Cup comes right on the heels of the Central East Regional Tournament conducted by Great Lakes Cricket Conference. And the Big 3 is scheduled for the summer.

2008 Diversity Cup

When? June 21st & 22nd.
Who's playing? Shabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Saif, Asif Mujtaba, Rizwan Uz Zamman, Pubudu Dassanayake
Dinner: June 21st Saturday at 8:00pm Sterling Chateau, 38500 Ryan Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 (586) 489-9905
Dinner Tickets: Call 586-344-4793 or 248-890-2153

Schedule:

Group A:

Match # 1: June 21 Saturday 10:00 am at Bloomer Park, Rochester Hills, MI
USA Stars V West Indies Masters

Match # 2: June 21 Saturday 3:00 pm at Bloomer Park, Rochester Hills, MI
Canada Maple Leafs V USA Stars

Match # 3: June 22 Sunday 10:00 am at Lyon Oaks County Park, Wixom, MI
Canada Maple Leafs V West Indies Masters

Group B:

Match # 4: June 21 Saturday 10:00 am at Lyon Oaks County Park, Wixom, MI

India Blues V Sri Lanka Lions
Match # 5: June 21 Saturday 3:00 pm at Lyon Oaks County Park, Wixom, MI

Pakistan Greens V Sri Lanka Lions
Match # 6: June 22 Sunday 10:30 am at Bloomer Park, Rochester Hills, MI

Inida Blues V Pakistan Greens
Match # 7: FINAL June 22 Sunday 3:30 pm at Bloomer Park, Rochetser Hills, MI

Winner of Group "A" vs Winner of Group "B"

Awards Ceremony: 7:00pm to 7:30pm at Bloomer Park, Rochester Hills, MI

First class umpire Muhammad Sadiq Khan will be umpiring in Diversity Cup.

Shabbir's and Mohammad's participation is courtesy of ExenSys.