MoneyGram Cricket Ke Badshah 2016: First Week of Competition in Riyadh
Teams representing 3 labor camps in fierce competition for Trophy and SAR 10,000 prize
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of MoneyGram's commitment to develop grassroots cricket in Saudi Arabia, last weekend Cricket Ke Badshah 2016 tournament had been launched with a full schedule of exciting games in three labor camps: BACS, Al Seif and Saudi Oger. MoneyGram's initiative allows the sub-continent workers to participate in the structured tournament for the first time and showcase their skills within the Camps.
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"MoneyGram is excited with the response to this competition in the camps with a full schedule in week 1. We are happy to bring in a structured tournament to these camps with such great prizes to play for and the chance to meet the legendary cricket player Irfan Pathan. The standard of cricket has surpassed our expectations in the first week and showcases the passion for this game in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said Maher Haddad, MoneyGram's senior director for Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan. "We can look forward to a competitive rest of the competition as all teams vie for a chance to qualify for the Finals where they get the chance to lift the Trophy and take home the cash prize of SAR 10,000."
On week 1 in the BACS Camp, BACS Fanta Club amassed a huge 244/9 from their 20 overs with Majid scoring a hugely impressive 95 runs ably supported by Captain Yasar Arfat with 41. They managed to beat the RMTC Metro Royals Cricket Club by a massive 172 runs to look like the team to beat at BACS. There were also big wins for Bhoomi Cricket Club, Oruba Challengers and Thumama Riders to set out their marker early in the competition.
In Al Seif, the Indian nationals' matches took place with Indian Royals, Thumama Camp Cricket Club and Ansar the strongest teams of the day recording big wins.
On the Pakistani nationals side of the competition there were wins for Friend KCC, Raju Eleven, Pakistan Eleven and Channi Group to set out their credentials for this competition.
At Saudi Oger the games were all very close and hard fought with only two teams, Selicon Club and Oger Club, showing any dominance in first weekend.
MoneyGram Cricket Ke Badshah tournament matches will be 20 overs-per-side 'Twenty20' and running qualifiers through June 1. The grand finals will be held on June 3, where the best teams representing Al Seif and Saudi Oger Camps and two teams from BACS will play off to be Champions of Riyadh. Grand Finals held in BACS Camp will be attended by the legendary Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan who will coach the teams helping them to develop as players and deliver the Trophy and SAR 10,000 cash prize to the winning team.
Cricket Ke Badshah 2016 tournament compliments MoneyGram's association with the International Cricket Council (ICC) where MoneyGram has extended its sponsorship with the ICC for an additional eight years in an agreement that will see the global provider of money transfer and payment services sponsor all tournaments until the end of 2023. MoneyGram is the only ICC sponsor to activate cricket in Saudi Arabia and support the Labor Camps.
According to the World Bank, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the second largest remittances sourcing country with an estimated $45.7 billion in outward flows in 2015. The sends from Saudi can be made from any of the 140 outlets and more than 2,900 ATM machines through QuickPay and the Fawri networks (30 centres).
About MoneyGram International, Inc.
MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer and payment services and is recognized worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. Whether online, or through a mobile device, at a kiosk or in a local store, we connect consumers any way that is convenient for them. We also provide bill payment services, issue money orders and process official checks in select markets. More information about MoneyGram International, Inc. is available at moneygram.com.
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