Maldives Cricket holds annual marketing dinner

The Cricket Control Board of Maldives (CCBM) held its annual Cricket Marketing Dinner at the Nasandhura Hotel to publicize its 2008 events and various sponsorship packages offered to business on 30 October 2007. Amongst the guests were Special Advisor to the President, Hon. Umar Zahir, Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives, Mr. Mijarul Quayes, and ACC Development Officer, Mr. Rumesh Ratnayake. Over 80 invited guests attended the dinner, they included managing directors and marketing officials of prominent companies, players and club officials attended the dinner. The event was broadcast live in DhiFM 95.2, one of Maldives leading private radio stations.

Speaking at the function, Mr. Rumesh Ratnayke praised CCBM’s marketing strategies and said that other ACC countries can learn lessons from CCBM marketing and promotional events. CCBM sponsor package, “Team – up with Maldives Cricket” was launched at the function. CCBM Vice Chairman, Ahmed Hassan Didi, presented the package and noted with appreciation that sponsorship for 9 out of 11 tournaments earmarked for 2008 has already been finalized. He said that the target of CCBM was to finalise sponsorship as early as possible and that this year has been an exceptional year in that regard.

CCBM achieved another first for a sports association in the country with the signing of an MoU with DhiFM 95.2, as Maldive Cricket’s Official Radio Partner for 2008. Under the agreement DhiFM 95.2 will provide radio coverage for CCBM tournaments and events, including live broadcasts of some matches. One of the main challenges faced by CCBM in its development efforts is popularizing the game throughout the Maldives. This partnership is a key tool in overcoming this as DhiFM 95.2 has a wide coverage which can be used to promote cricket through out the country. Mohamed Saleem, Director of DhiFM 95.2 noted that it was a privilege to sign an MoU with one of the most mature sports body in the country and that they will help to take cricket to a new height in a mutually beneficial partnership.

At the function, Vice Chairman, Mr. Hassan Didi presented special mementoes to Dhiraagu and Maldive Gas for their long term association with Maldives Cricket. Speaking after the presentation, Dhiraagu and Maldives Gas representatives noted that CCBM has delivered according to their expectation and that they will continue to be associated with Maldives Cricket.

The function concluded with the presentation of the junior team for the ACC Under 15 tournament and a video presentation appreciating the contribution of sponsors in 2007. The evenings main attraction was a sumptuous buffet which included a number of items named after famous cricketers.

Ramadan Cricket Carnival concludes

The 2007 Ramadan Cricket Carnival came to a successful end today with the final match of Maldive Gas Open Tape ball Tournament. Thirty-three teams took part in this year’s carnival. CCBM thanks the three main sponsors of the carnival, Dhiraagu, Maldive Gas and Kitchen Smiles and associate sponsors Sign O Frame, Dine More, Tandoor, Salsa Café’ and Inner Maldives Sri Lankan Holidays. CCBM also appreciates the hard work of the umpires, especially, Sanjeeva and Kumar. Our thanks also to Imad and his team of scorers and all those who assisted in making this year another success for Ramadan cricket.

Open Tournament

Sonee Hardware won the Maldive Gas Open tape ball tournament by beating Style & Profile by 4 wickets in the last final of the 2007 Ramazan Carnival today. Style & Profile won the toss and batted first. They made 72 for the loss of 6 wickets in their 8 overs. They scored only 22 runs with the bat the rest were all extras. Hassan Waheed took 3 wickets for Sonee Hardware.

In reply, Sonee Hardware made the deficit with a ball to spare. At one stage it looked as if Style & Profile had bagged the title with Sonee Hardware needed 28 from 16 balls. However, victory was snatched from the jaws of defeat by Ahmed Hussain, who made 23 runs, which included 2 sixes in the 4th and 5th balls of the final overs.

Muawaith Abdul Ghani and Hassan Waheed were joint top wicket takers of the tournament. Afzal Faiz Samad won the top scorer award.

Inter-office Tournament

It was all very predictable in the office tournaments as Maldives Customs team beat Immigration department by 48 runs to win the cup for the third consecutive year. Customs won the toss and batted first in the final match. They made 125 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. Mahmood Riyaz made 31 not out and Mohamed Amir 21. In reply Immigration made o 77 for 3 wickets in their innings. Mohamed Zaki made 21 runs. Customs team bowled well giving away just 11 extras to contain Immigration.

Immigration team's Mohamed Amir beat Mahmood Riyaz to the best batsman award by just 1 run. His team mate Mohamed Zaki won the award for most wickets.

Inter-company Tournament

Airport Company won the Kitchen Smiles Inter-company cup , beating Bank of Maldives by 18 runs. Airport won the toss and batted first in the final. They made 108 for 6 in their 8 overs. Tournament's best player Abdulla Shahid top scored with 32 no. Adly Ahmed took 2 wickets for BML. In reply BML managed 90 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their 8 overs. Adly Ahmed made 21 runs.

Abdulla Shahid was the tournaments highest runs scorer and wicket taker, with 139 runs and 7 wickets respectively.

Tournament details and all the score sheets

Maldives cricket is for Maldivians and every one who loves cricket

Dear all cricket lovers. I am here with you guys. A recent comment on this blog asked why we were including expats in the Ramazan cricket carnival tournaments. Maldives cricket is definitely geared towards Maldivians. It’s all for us. But if we don’t find enough Maldivians and if there are requests for expatriates who love the game to be included in the teams then what can I do. It’s a free go to make teams with only Maldivians and I am for it but at the last moment we see teams coming up to play the game with 6 players, 7 players. Even yesterday I saw it happening. So why not give the opportunity to expatriates who are enthusiastic cricketers who contribute to the development of the game in Maldives. There are very good local players, but their commitment and motivation is quite low. They simply do not make the effort to come and play. And even if they do, its after much hard work by whoever is managing the team. In other instances there are teams who want to participate but no management to bring them together. Those who put the effort are the ones that are performing. So it’s open for demand. You all come with locals and tell us that you don’t need expatriates playing, then will surely do that. But we the Board is doing this for players with lot of effort and commitment from businesses. If we see teams with not enough players it is a shame for every body. So that’s why we give the opportunity for expatriates to also play in this carnival. See what is happening to the umpires and coaches. Why do we have to field expatriate umpires every time. Where are the local umpires? Come do the job rather than grumbling there for every effort we make. Cheers. The game is for the Maldivians and if we don’t have enough locals then we got to get others involved. Cheers and happy Ramazan to the readers of Maldives Blog. Ramazan Cricket Carnival is all about having fun. Its Ramazan’s Favourite Game. So enjoy.

Ahmed Hassan Didi
Vice Chairman
CCBM

Need great managers and active clubs

Need great managers and active clubs

Cricket board is encouraging active club participation in our tournaments and cricket development. Huge financial remuneration was introduced this year compared to what we used to get. Our partners, the government and enthusiastic businesses are helping us to improve the financial status of the Board and provide more services to our clients, ie. clubs and players. But are the cubs responding? This was not the case of the last limited over tournament. At the start of the tournament CCBM listed the following criteria for clubs to receive financial assistance.

1. Must send practice schedule before 30th June 2007.
2. Daily attendance signed by coach, manager or captain……
3. 3 sessions per week – starting July 2007 – December 2007. (During the month of ramazan 02 practice session is enough to claim money)
4. Minimum no. of players per session (7) seven.
5. For every month a sum of MRF. 3000.00 will be paid if all papers are submitted before 10th of each month.
6. Money can be transferred to club account. (please open an account in the name of club)
Cricket Equipment
7. A valid purchase of cricket equipments upto MRF. 15,000.00 for each team is provided by the board till December 2007.
8. All supporting documents should be provided (ie. invoice, purchase order, receipts)
Can also send a purchase order from any sports shop (only cricket equipments) CCBM will make arrangements to issue the goods from the shop.
9. All teams must have their own cricket ball. (Tournament will be played using Cavalier 80 cricket ball)

How many teams followed this practice regime. Not many. Now they are asking CCBM to release funds allocated and they had a quick fix, which is to bring foreign players. Did our players practice, did they give the equipment to the players. Let team’s show the evidence.

Can I give this money to the clubs? Is this a healthy thing for Maldives cricket? Tell me. I hold on the original decision. The clubs can still get the allocated assistance if they fulfill the requirements. The National Tournament is ahead. Start practice and we will increase your allowance and give the players the necessary equipment and we will pay pack. Don’t ask for things you have to done. Its all for you, so submit the schedule, practice and prepare for the national tournament.

Cheers

Ahmed Hassan Didi
Vice chairman
CCBM

Cricket board will take action on poor behavior of players at the finals of the limited over cricket tournament

Cricket board will take action on poor behavior of players at the finals of the limited over cricket tournament.

Cricket is a difficult game to develop, especially in a country like the Maldives. And I can feel it, with all the hard work still lots of technical problems are there. But slowly it is getting better. Recent experience at the limited over cricket tournament has made me pause to think of the progress of the game. These things happen in a fluid environment. Is cricket moving forward and if it is, it is only because of enthusiastic cricket lovers. We are gaining more recognition and the financial status of the Board is improving. We have more to offer to players and clubs each year. But our players, particularly senior players need to be onboard for this to be successful. Board has its core values, and two of the 4 values, which is trust and caring (apart from focus and timeliness) is based on personal interaction which is building trust and caring for each other.

I am sad to say that this has being neglected in the last final match. It’s sad. Players appealed for a caught behind, umpire’s decision was not out. In the spirit of the game, the match has to continue. It did but the players protested. Abusive language was used and finally at the end of the game, one senior player came to the umpire and more protest and dissatisfaction occurred. What a temperament. Unfortunately the umpire reacted and it continued. This is the scene at the end of the final match and finally that particular team members did not attend the presentation.

Board considers such actions very seriously. It is with deep regret that the Board has decided to take the following disciplinary action against those involved in the incident.

1. Request all the involved parties to apologize to each other.
2. Fine the team for their action.
3. Suspend the player who verbally and physically abused the umpire from the Ramazan carnival and the first matches of the national tournament.
4. To fine the umpire for reacting to the situation.

These are the board’s decision on the incident. This is done not to punish the parties involved. But this negative reinforcement is to discourage such activities.
I understand we don’t have much professional people to take up the best jobs. I once again urge all cricketers at this moment to join up in the development of cricket - to hold the values and be a team to promote the game. Once the players stop coming and teams vanish there will no longer be cricket again in the Maldives. So senior players, enthusiastic cricketers please join us and make a difference.

Cheers

Ahmed Hassan Didi
Vice Chairman
CCBM

First turf wicket opens for practice

The first ever turf wicket in the Maldives was opened today. The practice turf wicket is the culmination of years of hard work, trail and error and dedication by CCBM top officials and staff. Thanks are especially due to Mr. Channa Wickramasuria who had been instrumental in preparing the wicket. The wicket was constructed with the assistance of ACC. New Zealand Turf Institute provided the technical assistance and consultation.

The wicket was opened today in a ceremony held in the outdoor nets. FAM Chairman Mohamed Kaleem was Chief Guest. Veteran cricketer and Sports Ministry official Sathaavari Alifulu bowled the first ball on the wicket to Mohamed Kaleem.

After the ceremony, National Team players had their first practice session on a natural grass wicket in the country. The wicket will be a valuable infrastructure addition, and will play a key role in the preparation of teams for overseas tournaments.

CCBM thanks all those involved in making this project a success.

Opening of Turf Wicket, 23 August, 4.00 pm

Majeediyya and Dharumavantha - Joint Champs of Anchor Trophy

The Anchor Cricket Trophy which began on 8 August 2007, ended with a thrilling final match between Majeediyya and Dharumavantha on Saturday. The final match of the inter-school tournament ended in a draw with both teams tying at 146 runs.

Dharumavantha sent in Majeediyya to bat after winning the toss. Majeediyya made 146 for 5 in 20 overs. Mifthah made 47 and Hassan Ibrahim made 32 runs. Tournament's to player Dharumavantha School's Mihusan Hamid took 2 for 30 runs. In reply Dharumavantha made 146 for 7 wickets in 20 overs. Jilwaz Rasheed made 48 runs and Ahmed Evan made 24 runs. Salman Zaki took 3 wkts for 22 and Hassan Ibrahim 2 for 15. Hassan Ibrahim was adjudged second best player of the tournament, follwoed by Jilwaz Rasheed who came third.

17 teams competed in 3 categories in this tournament sponsored by Anchor Milk.

Anchor Cricket Trophy

The Anchor Cricket Trophy will begin on 8 August 2007 at the Cricket Ground. The tournament is being sponsored by Anchor, one of the top milk products in the country. The tournament is played between school teams that form part of the CCBM youth development programme. Teams will be competing in three different categories. The YDP Beginners will feature 6 teams, YDP Juniors will feature 8 teams and the YDP Seniors will feature 3 teams. The Junior and Senior tournament will be hardball cricket while the beginners will play softball cricket. YDP beginners and juniors will represent CCBM teams in the tournament with each team named after an Anchor product. Majeediyya School, Dharumavantha School and Muhyiddin School will compete in the senior category. The final matches of each category will be played on 18 August 2007.

CCBM wishes to thank Anchor for sponsoring the tournament and supporting Maldives Cricket, especially junior/youth development. CCBM also thanks all the teams and players taking part in the tournament and wish them all the best.

RIFA Cup 2007

The 2007 edition of RIFA Cup will begin on 26 July 2007. The tape ball cricket tournament is played each year in memory of young cricketer Rifa Abbas. 18 teams are taking part in this year's tournament. The tournament features a number of expatraite teams. The tournament will be played over 3 days. The 18 teams have been assigned to 6 groups for round robin matches after which a super league will be played between the winners of each group.

Playing conditions

- First round all matches will be 5 overs (max 1 over per bowler).
- Second round will be 8 overs (2 overs max per bowler).
- Each wide / no ball 4 runs - through out the tournament.
- If last ball of the over is a wide, extra ball should be bowled.
- Each win 3 points, draw or abondon each 1 point.
- If two teams equal in first round, net run rate will be applied to decide winner.
- Match might have to continue in the rain, any stoppage will be at the umpire's descretion.

Any quaries pse call Mr. Saudan 7873843

Fragata Triangular Cricket Cup

Cricket control board is introducing its first ever inter resort cricket tournament on 5 July 2007. This is an initiative by the board and has being well endorsed by our private sector partners with a high level of sponsorship. We congratulate the sponsors of the first inter resort triangular cricket tournament. STO Peoples Choice Supermarket has sponsored the tournament. So the first resort tournament is played under their product name ‘Fragata’. We are grateful to the sponsors for their commitment in the development of the sport and their partnership with Maldives Cricket to market their product.

Several number of resorts are now expressing their interest in participating in this tournament. As this is the first time we are having such an event, the Board decided to launch with a small event. Therefore we invited three resorts who has been in contact with the Board and who conducted cricket activities in the resort. They are Meeru, Sovena Gili and Taj Coral. On behalf of CCBM I congratulate these teams for participating in the tournament. In these resorts tournaments are held for their staff and one resort has developed cricket infrastructure like practice turf for their staff.

Even though we could not invite more resorts to participate in this tournament we will be happy to invite those resorts who want to be part of next year’s tournament to register themselves with the board. Then we can start communicating with such resorts and we can make next year’s tournament grander.

We had our launching of the 1st triangular cricket tournament with the complementary support of Sovena Gili resort and our sponsors. I thank Soneva Gili for the initiative and the support.

Enjoy cricket and make it a part of your life style. We are there to expand the game in the wider community. The game of cricket is truly Asian. So be part of it, join us and make this year’s tournament memorable. We invite enthusiastic resorts to be part of next years tournament to make cricket more wider in the Maldives with your greater participation.

Ahmed Hassan Didi

ICC Annual Conference

The ICC announced on 29 June the outcomes from its week of meetings at Lord's, including Friday's annual conference. Go here for major decisions and changes proposed for ICC Playing Conditions.

Fragata Resort Cricket

The first inter-resort cricket tournament will take place on 5th July at the Cricket Ground. Three teams are taking part in this tournament sponsored by "Fragata". The tournament was launched at Soneva Gili resort on 25 June 2007.

The tournament is a tape-ball tournament with one round of matches, and the top two teams playing in the final. Each match will consist of 15 overs.

Match schedule

M1:Soneva Gili vs Meeru Island Resort (time 08:30 – 10:30)
M2: Taj coral vs Meeru island Resort (time 11:00 – 13:00)
M3: Soneva Gili vs Taj Coral (time 13:30 – 15:30)
M4: Final Match (time 16:15 – 18:15)

Sony Ericsson Division 1

The Sony Ericsson Cup, Limited Over Division 1 tournament will start on July 8. Teams are requested to send in their team lists before 13:00 hrs on 1 July 2007. Teams should follow the ranking list agreed at the meeting held on 21 June 2007 to finalise their teams. Three foreign players can be registered by a team but only two plays can play at the same time.

As announced last year CCBM will be providing financial assistance for Division 1 teams beginning this year. The assistance will be for coaching and for the purchase of equipment. Teams need to meet the following minimum criteria to qualify for the assistance money.

To claim for monthly funds for coach teams need to fulfill the following requirements.

- Teams must send practice schedule before 30th June 2007.
- Daily attendance sheet signed by coach, manager or captain should be submitted to CCBM every month.
- Teams should hold a minimum of 3 practice sessions per week – starting July 2007 – December 2007. (During the month of Ramazan 02 practice sessions a week)
- A minimum of 7 players should be present for every session.
- A sum of MRF. 3,000.00 will be disbursed each month if all papers are submitted before 10th of each month.

To claim money for cricket equipment teams need to fulfill the following requirements

- A valid purchase of cricket equipments up to MRF. 15,000.00 for each team is provided by the board till December 2007.
- All supporting documents should be submitted to CCBM with the claim.
- Teams can also send purchase orders from any sports shop (only cricket equipments), and CCBM will make arrangements to issue the goods from the shop.

Good luck to all the teams!

MSHHSA lifts the Sony Ericsson Cup

MS Helping Hand Sports Academy lifted the Sony Ericsson Cup Division 2 trophy today beating OFFU FC by 95 runs. MSHHSA won the toss in the morning and batted first. Adly Ahmed Didi gave the team a great start, scoring 90 off 92 runs. His 90 runs included 7 fours and 2 sixes. Mahmood Riyaz made 43 and Mihusan Hamid 28. At the end of their 40 overs MSHHSA were 234 for 8. Visham, Suzain and Adnan took 2 wickets each for OFFU.

OFFU started in a cavalier fashion scoring 100 runs in their first 10 overs. Ali Suzain made 44 runs in this early onslaught. He was supported by one of the young stars of the tournament Jilwaz Rasheed who made 20 runs. After the departure of Suzain, and then Mustaq Ahmed Didi for 33, OFFU run chase hit rock bottom, with some quick wickets. They managed only 39 after the initial high, and were all out in the 28th over. Mahmood Riyaz took 3 for 19 in 6 overs. Adly Ahmed Didi was adjuged player of the tournament.

Ahmed Kaleem who scored 351 points in the player ranking was awarded the top player of the tournament. Jilwaz Rasheed with 312 points was second, and Ali Suzain with 262 points was third.[more >>]

Club of the Year Award

During the Cricket Evening function held in May, CCBM announced that a Rf. 10,000 award will be presented to the best club beginning 2007. The purpose of the award is to provide an incentive to clubs, to motivate teams and players and to provide a financial bonus to top performing teams. Presently CCBM is developing criteria to select the team of the year, and would like your input to make this workable. Below is the criteria being developed to select the Club of the Year.

1. Clubs will be ranked after each tournament and points will be given according to the following scale.
Champion team 100 pts
Runner-up team 75 pts
Third placed team 50 pts
Fourth placed team 40 pts
Fifth placed team 30 pts
Sixth placed team 20 pts
Seventh and below placed 10 pts each.
(On average upto 4-6 teams take part in CCBM tournaments. As such points below fifth ranking will be allocated accordingly)

2. Apart from the champion and runner-up, teams will be ranked by points earned in the tournament. If two teams are equal in points net run rate (NNR) will be used. If equal on NNR, head to head wins will be counted.

3. Each win in a game will earn the club 5 bonus points. An average of the bonus points (bonus points/number of matches played) will be used in the final equation to select the top team. Bonus points will be awarded only to those teams who complete more than 7 matches in a year.

4. The final equation to select club of the year will be as follows
Points from Ranking + Bonus win points (average) = Total club points.

5. Trophy and prize money will be given away as below;
Cricket Evening Function - Club of the Year Trophy
1st tournament played by the club - Rf 4,000
2nd tournament played by the club - Rf 3,000
3rd tournament played by the club - Rf 3,000
(teams can choose which tournament to draw their prize money)

Sony Ericsson Cup Match 6: Offu beat Male' Sports by 6 wickets

OFFU FC sprang the surprise of the tournament by beating Male' Sports by 6 wickets in the 6th match of the Sony Ericsson Cup. The margin of defeat does not do justice to OFFU who displayed a spirited performance in the filed after having won the toss. Male' Sports lost their first wicket, that of Ali Niyaz in bizarre fashion as his helmet fell on the wicket. The team score was just 15. Wickets fell in quick succession after their key batsman Nadheem was brilliantly bowled out by a slow ball from one the most promising player of the tournament Jilwaz Rasheed. Male' Sports lost their next 5 wickets for just 10 runs. Mohamed Nasir and Mohamed Faisal tried to revive the batting making 12 and 13 runs respectively. Fayyaz Ali was the only other player to reach double figures with 12 runs. In the end they were all out for 73 in 27.4 overs.

The total was never going to test OFFU as they made the deficit in 17.3 overs. However, Male' Sports with their strong bowling line up were never going to give up without a fight. They came strongly at OFFU and took 4 wickets, with Mohamed Shafeeg taking 2 wickets for 28 in 6 overs. Jilwaz top scored with 21 runs.

Sony Ericsson Cup Match 5: MSHHSA beat Vyansa by 10 wickets

MS Helping Hand Sports Academy (MSHHSA) showed their that they are one of the top teams of the Sony Ericsson CUp by beating Vyansa by 10 wickets in the 5th match of the tournament. Vyansa won the toss and batted first scoring just 142. Ali Nihad and Mohamed Azlee put up some resistance scoring 43 and 44 runs respectively. Shamin Habeeb took 3 for 17 in 4 overs.

MSHHSA openers Ahmed Hassan and Manmood Riyaz went after Vyansa bowling ruthlessly overcoming the total in just 14 overs. Ahmed Hassan made 57 runs in 34 balls and Mahmood Riyaz 56 in 54 balls. Their runs chase was assisted by 31 extras by Vyansa. [scoresheet]

CCBM salutes all who help us to develop cricket

yes all, i have being following your comments. great. some are strong and personal but thats what life is. i personally joined the board because of the love of the game. unfortunately i am not a good fielder, bowler or batsman but am a good scorer i mean in the books. thats why I joined the board. since then have been working with who ever is available to develop the game. i appreciate the work of all who made us come here. presently i have great respect for the players. moosa i still go cold when i think of the effort u put at the last ACC game to win the bahrain or oman game if am not wrong. u have real charisma and love for the game and i am always taking example of moosa in every occasion. you played an excellent game. those who feel that we cant organise do help us. i am preparing a statement on how we spend the sponsor money. As one has suggested we are always giving assistance to the clubs. from the sponsor money we allocate cash assistance. big prize money come from it. also number of tours has being organized for the youngsters and the national sides from that saving. so please dont be so bold and blunt. talk to the club people and appreciate the amount being given to them. i need strong teams and we will support. this time division one clubs are allocated each 30000 but they got to come and play cricket. so its for coaches assistance and equipment. so come strong teams we need managers. come and definitely if u spend that money for cricket taking the youngsters and practice. i will give the money to them i mean such teams. last year we made a roster for teams to practice certain days and for each session if they can come up with 8 players we were ready to give 1000. but no club could reach this and get the money. so guys i will give money for clubs if they practice and perform. i like the work of people who come and help. they are all (i dont mention names for the benifit of every one involved) great cricket lovers who do it for their love of the game. need more and more volunteers. we will give money to players, clubs, administrators the more we can raise. thanks for the businesses who are helping us. they are doing a great job. we have good cricket lovers do all come. i am one of the team members sharing knowledge on my areas of expertise. help me and us and any one who wants to take over, i am welcome and i be part of the team to help. cheers all. ahmed hassan didi CCBM

Acceptable Comments

One of our frequent commentators “Mohamed” has written complaining that we have restrained people from posting comments. We have not restrained any one from commenting on our posts. However, we reserve the right to close debate, i.e. not accept comments on issues after a certain time limit in order to properly assess and respond to comments. We know that there are things that we need to address in the administration and development of the game. We are also happy that our administration team has made some positive change in the past few years. The purpose of this blog is to open a direct communication link between us, the players and other stakeholder. We are happy the purpose is being fulfilled. However, as a general rule we will not publish comments which are disrespectful of individuals or are of a personal and inflammatory nature.

“Mohamed” has said, “No matter how hard you try to defend the board, the truth shall be revealed to all, if not from this Blog then from other. People should and will know the truth. YOU GUYS SUCK IN PLANNING AND ORGANIZING”.

One of the purpose of the blog is to find ways to improve our planning and organizing through your help.

Sony Ericcson Cup Match 4: OFFU FC beat New Star

Offu FC beat New Star by 158 runs in the 4th match of the Sony Ericcson Cup Div 2 limited over tournament. Offu won the toss and batted first. Youngster Jilwaz Rasheed gave their innings a cracking start scoring 53 off 40 balls which included 9 4s. After lossing 2 quick wickets, OFFU innings was put back on track by a 140 run partnership between Ali Suzain and Mustaq Ahmed Didi . Suzain played his usual cavalier cricket offering a number of chances to the opposition. He made 92 of 84 balls before being run out. Mustag's innings was more clinical finishing with 69 runs off 58 balls. Imad Ismail took 3 for 48, and Ameel Mauroof and Wisham 2 wickets each for New Star.

In reply, Mohamed Nazeeh and Hassan Waheed were the only players to score double figure for New Star. Nazeeh made 35 and Hassan Waheen 48. Mohamed Akram bowled superbly taking 4 wickets for 10 runs in 4 overs. Visham took 3 wickets for 45.

Jilwaz Rasheed who made 53 runs and took 2 wickets was declared man of the match.

Sony Ericsson Cup Match 3: Male' Sports beat New Star by 151 runs

Male' Sports beat New Star by 151 runs in the third match of the Sony Ericsson Cup. Male' Sports won the toss and were is big trouble loosing 3 quick wickets in the early overs. But Hassan Ibrahim and Fayyaz Ali steadied the innings in the middle overs. Fayyaz Ali made 30 before he was adjudged leg before off the bowling of Shameen. Hassan was joined at the crease by Faisal who gave him good support to reach his maiden 50. Hassan was close to getting his first century when he was caught in the deep by Azzam off the bowling of Hassan Waheed for 94 runs. Faisal went on to make 30 runs not out. Male' Sports posted a competitive total of 212 after their stuttering start. Ameel took 3 for 36 in 8 overs for New Star.

In reply, New Star found no rhythm to their innings loosing wickets at an alarming speed. Their three senior players went cheaply, and the youngsters had no reply to the quick attack of Hassan Ibrahim and Mohamed Shafeeg. They were all out in the 20th over for just 61 runs. Hassan Ibrahim took a career best of 4 wickets for 6 in 6 overs. Ali Tholib took 2 for 2 in 3 overs.

Scoresheet and top point scorers @ www.maldivescricket.com.mv

Sony Ericsson Cup Match 2:: MSHHSA vs OFFU FC

MS Helping Hand Sports Academy (MSHHSA) won the second match of the Sony Ericsson Cup by beating OFFU FC by 23 runs. MSHHSA won the toss and batted first. Their innings stuttered at the beginning with three of their star batsman out cheaply. Ahmed Kaleem played one of his trademark controlled innings to bring some credibility to MSHHA innings. He went on to score the tournament’s first century. He was eventually out in the penultimate over for112 runs. Youngsters Muaviath A. Ghani and Mihusan Hamid gave Kaleem good support. Another young player, Jilwaz Rasheed took 3 for 22 in 7 overs for OFFU FC.

The OFFU FC target was revised to 151 in 22 overs due to rain. Ali Suzain (not out 44 runs) and Adam Zameel (33 runs) played some determined shots but they ran out of overs after loosing 6 wickets in their run chase. Mohamed Saeed bowled a superlative spell for MSHHA, taking 4 wickets for just 17 runs in 5 overs.

In the next game of the tournament, Male’ Sports take on New Star on Friday.

Batsman walking - is he out

Here’s one for all you cricketers, especially umpires and wannabe umpires.

Match: Male’ Sports vs Vyansa
Scene: Nazal batting. Hits one to a close fielder. The ball is a bump ball, but one which is very hard to judge. The fielder catches. Nazal walks before umpire signals. There is some confusion. Umpire says he’s not out. He runs back. But there is a run out. Umpire says out.
Verdict: Was he out.
What’s your verdict

Sony Ericsson Cup: Match 1:: Male' Sports vs Vyansa

Male' Sports beat Vyansa by 76 runs in the first match of the Sony Ericsson Cup today. Male' Sports won the toss of the match which was reduced to 20 overs a side due to rain. A fine batting performance by the top order batsman took Male' Sports to a compelling total of 166 for the loss of 3 wickets. Veteran Mohamed Nasir top scored with 33. Ali Niyaz 30, Ismail Nadeem 24, Fayyaz Ali 23 and Hassan Ibrahim 21 made valuable contributions.

Vyansa, faced an uphil task in overcoming the huge total. Fiery bowling from openers Hassan Ibrahim and Shafeeg did not help their cause. Hassan took 2 for 10 in 4 overs and Shafeeg 1 for 6 runs in 3 overs. In the end Vyansa lost 5 wickets in 20 overs for 90 runs.

Sony Ericsson Match 1

First day's play of the match between Male' Sports and Vyansa was called off due to bad weather today. The ground was waterlogged for the most of this morning due to incessant rain which had been falling since last night. It started to rain heavily after the umpires called off play at 3.30 after inspecting the wicket. Earlier in the day strong winds had blown the sheets covering the tents to the adjoining football pitch. The side screens were also not put up due to strong winds. The match is scheduled to start at 2.00pm tomorrow, and will most probably be reduced to 20 overs.

A one day match in 2 days

For the first time matches of the 2nd divsion limited over tournament will be played over 2 days this year. Which means each each day will consist of an innings of 40 overs. Some players have questioned this change in format by the CCBM. This change has been brought to accomodate the new focus of the 2nd division tournament. The tournament is now only open for non-national team players with special emphasis on YDP players. One of the main problems with the one day game is the unavailibility of players on weekdays. This has resulted in various difficulties both for clubs and the Board. A 2.00pm start will enable players to devote time to their work before start of the day's play. Some players in private employment may find this arrangement a bit difficult, but it is assumed that overall the impact will be positive. A 2.00 satrt will also enable YDP players to attend matches on all days. One of the main problems with the development programme is our inability to provide adequate match practice for YDP players. It is hoped that this tournament will provide them ample opportunity to display their skills. This format change is an experiment, and its success can only be assessed after the tournament.

Sony Ericsson Cup :: 25th Limited Over Cricket Tournament 2007

The Sony Ericsson Cup Division 2 tournament will begin on 27 May, with Male' Sports taking on Vyansa. Five teams are taking in this 25th edition of the tournament. Unlike previous years, CCBM has decided to exclude national team players from this tournament. The decision was made to with the view of targetting this tournament towards YDP players. As a result several YDP players will get an opportunity to play competitive cricket, which is severly lacking in thier practice regime.

Match Schedule

M1 :: 27/28 May :: Male’ Sports Club vs Vyansa
M2 :: 29/30 May :: Offu vs MSHHSA
M3 :: 1 June :: Male’ Sports Club vs New Star Sports Club
M4 :: 2 June :: Offu vs New Star Sports Club
M5 :: 3/4 June :: Vyansa vs MSHHSA
M6 :: 5/6 June :: Male’ Sports Club vs Offu
M7 :: 9 June :: MSHHSA vs New Star Sports Club
M8 :: 10/11 June :: Vyansa vs Offu
M9 :: 12/13 June :: MSC vs MSHHSA
M10 :: 15 June :: New Star vs Vyansa
M11 :: 16 or 17 June :: FINAL MATCH

All weekday matches will start at 2.00 pm and a match will be concluded over 2 days. CCBM requests that all rank players be finalized before 1300hrs on 26th May 2007.

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ccbm vice chairman

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