19th CETAA cricket to start on Nov 11

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 7: The 19th Prof Ramachandran Memorial Cricket Tournament (RMC) conducted by College of Engineering Trivandrum Alumini Association (CETAA) and sponsored by GTE OLAYAN Co will begin at the South Khaitan Cricket Grounds on Nov 11.

The eagerly awaited 5 week long cricket tournament conducted among the Engineering Alumini Associations from Kerala marks the start of the Engineers Sports calendar in Kuwait for the season 2016-2017. Eight Alumini Associations of the KEF fraternity will be competing in earnest for the coveted trophy. As usual the tournament will be conducted in a league cum knock out format with 4 teams in each pool playing against each other during the league stage.

The top 2 teams from each pool will qualify for the semifinal where the top team from pool A will clash with the 2nd placed side from Pool B and vice versa. The exciting news for cricket lovers this year is that the tournament will be conducted at a new ground specially suited for this tournament and on a smooth concrete pitch favourable to the batsmen. So matches are expected to be high scoring providing lots of entertainment for the spectators.

Defending champions and favourites KEA will spearhead the challenge from Pool A. While KEA is expected to top Pool A, a keen tussle between TKM, NSS and CET is in store for the other semifinal spot. In Pool B former champions AECK and TEC are expected to reach the knock out stage without much trouble, barring the glorious uncertainities of the game. MACE or NIT will have to create a really big upset to make that a possibility.

With the players and spectator interest on the rise, GTE Olayan Co will once again be sponsoring the tournament for the 19th consecutive year. During the league stages 4 matches (12 overs a side) will be held each friday ensuring the cricket enthusiasts of an action packed week end. The semifinals and final will be of 15 overs based on prevailing ICC rules and regulations (including “free hits” for no balls). All in all cricket buffs can look forward to some thrilling action scheduled to end on Dec 9, 2016.

On the opening day, TEC will meet MACE at 7 am, AECK take on NIT at 9:00 am followed by hosts CET’s clash with NSS at 10:45 am. The match between TKM and KEA at 12:30 pm will round up a hectic day’s play. The teams line-up and inaugural function will be at 9:00 am after the 1st match.

Jose Kurishinkal, International Cricket Umpire (for CETAA), Mob: 66451759.