Indian Cricket Star Sreesanth Graces the Presentation Ceremony
On a glorious Friday evening at TACK’s Doha Entertainment City Grounds, in the presence of international cricketer Santhakumaran Sreesanth and scores of cricket loving Keralites; Kuwait Kerala Premier League (KKPL) concluded its 3rd successful season with colorful opening ceremony. Respective national anthems of Kuwait and India were played to mark the beginning which was followed by a short address by Sreesanth as he thanked TACK for inviting him to Kuwait while he also lauded the organization’s efforts in developing cricket in Kuwait and especially Kerala players through the KKPL platform.
The finals were played between the two top teams i.e. Thrissur Lions and RAJA COMPANY Q8 Calicut NRI’s. Thrissur Lion’s Captain Sajed Kalam won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Shejeel and Nishad gave a good start but some diligent bowling from Sanal P.C triggered dried up the runs which resulted in Nishad’s wicket. Anees Babu top scored with 32 from 41 balls as the Lions managed to reach to 152 for the loss of 7 wickets.
Defending 153, Thirssur Lions got off to a dream start when their Captain dismissed dangerous Farooq Muhammed for a duck. However, Apshal survived the initial nervy period and played a blinder of an innings. He went on to score a fine century, 102 of 59 balls with 7 sixes and 10 boundaries.
Sakthy anchored the innings well with 51 runs which came off 45 balls as Q8 Calicut NRI’s chased the target in 17.4 overs. Aphsal was adjudged man of the match for his stunning hundred.
After the high intensity finals, the much awaited Exhibition match between Sreesanth XI and the winners of the grand final took place. Sreesanth XI comprised of one player each of the remaining KKPL teams. RAJA COMPANY Q8 Calicut NRI’s won the toss and elected to bat first. Due to Sumit Pillai and Stanley Cherian’s heavy hitting, Q8 Calicut was able to score a mammoth 127 in 10 overs.
Sreesanth showed immense support and appreciation to his teammates and supported them throughout. He bowled 2 overs even though he was injured and showed the crowd what real pace is all about even with 4 strides as his run up. During their chase, Sreesanth XI gave a stunning reply through Hanson Nicholas in blistering form. The target proved to be too big in the end with Sreesanth XI falling short by 8 runs.
Sreesanth along with TACK KKPL Committee Members and representatives from UAE Exchange and Oriental Restaurant formed the presentation party. Gokul Das of Victory XI Idukki was awarded the best batsman while Rinil of Royal Kings Trivandrum won the best bowler award. Sanal Govind was adjudged best all rounder and man of the finals was given to Aphsal Ashraf.
During the presentation ceremony, Sreesanth also inaugurated the 4th Edition of KKPL which will be kicked off during the first week of April 2015 at the famous TACK Entertainment City Cricket Ground – Doha.