UAE cricket get sponsorship ahead of ICC World T20

UAE cricket is beginning to reap the rewards for its high performance at the international level by securing corporate backing ahead of the ICC World Twenty20.

It is a massive boost for the Khurram Khan-led UAE team which will make its maiden appearance in the Twenty20 extravaganza which begins on March 16.

“It’s great to have a corporate sponsor for the team. You feel better, you feel proud, and you feel you are being rewarded for doing something good,” said UAE's coach Aaqib Javed after the announcement was made at press conference on Wednesday.

"We don’t see it as pressure, we see it as a motivation," said the former Pakistan fast bowler who has achieved unprecedented success since taking charge two years ago.

Hosts UAE featured in the recent ICC Under 19 World Cup and also qualified to compete in the next edition of the ICC 50-over World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand next year.

As team sponsor, the OSN logo will appear on all match and training gear of the UAE Men’s National Cricket Team, for all home and away series. In addition, OSN will also support and is the official team sponsor for the UAE Women’s National Cricket Team, UAE Under 19 Men’s Cricket Team and the UAE Under 16 Men’s Cricket Team.

“OSN is committed to establishing its position as the region’s home of cricket and our support of the UAE National Cricket Teams demonstrates our efforts to truly encourage regional cricketing talent on an international scale," said David Butorac, Chief Executive Officer of OSN.

“We would like to thank the Emirates Cricket Board for their continued support, and wish the UAE National Cricket Team the very best in the upcoming ICC World Twenty20,” Butorac added reinforcing its commitment to nurture cricketing talent in the Middle East and North Africa.

David East, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Cricket Board, said: “The UAE National Cricket Team has made significant strides over the last year, championing the nation’s qualification into the prestigious ICC World Twenty20. We are delighted to have OSN on board with us on our ambitious journey to cricketing excellence.”

OSN’s support will play an integral role in providing training opportunities for both up and coming and established cricketers in the UAE, enabling them to represent the country within the international cricketing arena.

Khurram Khan, Captain of the UAE National Cricket Team, stated: “As the first team in the UAE’s history to receive one-day international status and qualify for the ICC World Twenty20, it is an honour to have OSN’s support, as we step out to represent the UAE in the international circuit. We will do our best and look forward to playing more international tournaments.”

As the undisputed ‘home of cricket,’ OSN Sports Cricket HD offers cricket fans across the region thousands of hours of live international cricket in true high definition.

This year, OSN cricket fans can enjoy the Asia Cup, and look forward to the Indian Premier League, ICC World Twenty20, Champions League T20, Big Bash league and all India, England, Australia, Bangladesh and New Zealand home series.

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