Cricket: 68 players to feature in maiden North Central invitational

Not less than 68 players are expected to feature in the maiden North Central one-day invitational Cricket tournament scheduled to hold on Sunday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Emeka Onyeama, chairman of FCT Cricket Association said this at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja.

Onyeama said the event, which will feature only male players, would serve as pilot scheme for the development of cricket in the zone.
“In a bid to develop the game of cricket in FCT and North Central as a whole, we have earmarked this event as a means to promote the game at the grassroots.

“One team each from Plateau and Kwara as well as two teams from FCT will be competing for honours at the event.
“Three matches will be played at the event on Sunday. The four teams will be grouped into two and play against each other in a 10-overs game,” he said.

According to him, the winners of the both matches will feature in the finals, which is a 20-overs game.
“This event would foster unity among the North Central states and to encourage the youth to stay off the streets and participate in sports, especially cricket,” he said.

Onyeama, who is also former president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), added that the association would cater for the teams’ accommodation, transportation and feeding.
The cricket administrator also assured that all COVID-19 guidelines would be strictly adhered to at the competition.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Gankon, Secretary of the association and Kayode Adeniyi, Chairman Local Organising Committee of the event, were also present at the press conference. (NAN)