JAMMU, Dec 31: Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Technical Education and Information Technology, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari today flagged off three J&K Cricket teams comprising 42 players for UAE. The teams are scheduled to play cricket tournament under JK-UAE T-20 Friendship Cup 2016 at world famous Sharjah Cricket stadium from 1^stJanuary to 7^th January 2016.

The tournament is being organized by Simula Sports Club in association with Ministry of Youth Services and Sports and Jammu and Kashmir Police.Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ansari wished good luck to the outgoing players and asked them to enjoy the cricket at International reputed stadium and come with the victory and earn laurels for the State. He said the players will be the role models for the youth of the State.

Mr. Ansari said the international cricket event will provide ample opportunity of exposure to the youth of the State for showcasing their talent against the international players of UAE.He said the objective of the tournament is to provide the local youth an invaluable international cricketing exposure and to inspire and motivate the youth to excel and perform well in the sport of Cricket and consider it as a serious career option.

Additional Directors General of Police, S P Vaid, Navin Aggarwal and Dilbagh Singh, Director General Youth service and Sports, Jahangir Mir, Secretary Sports Council, Javid Shah, Vice Chairman Sports Council Jammu Ranjeet Kalra were present on the occasion besides, Senior State Cricketer and MD of Simula Global Group, Hilal Ahmad Rather, Former Ranji Trophy Player Rajesh Gill and other sports personalities including Shiekh Ashiq Hussain and R. P Singh.   

Earlier, a power point presentation was given to explain the players about the facilities being provided during the international tournament which also include the facilities like accommodation and transport. The three teams Simula, Simax, Omorfi who have been selected for the international cricket tournament includes Ranji players, National players and Players of repute with 18 players from Jammu, 15 from Srinagar, 5 from Kupwara and 2 each from Anantnag and Banihal. While as Cost Cutter and Danube are the two teams of UAE who are participating in the tournament. 

There will be total 13 matches played in the prestigious tournament at Ajman Oval Cricket Stadium and the final will be played on 7^th of January at Sharjah Cricket stadium.