Musgrave Warriors win inaugural indoor league
THE inaugural KwaZuluNatal Indoor Premier League (IPL) saw Aucor Musgrave Warriors crowned champions when they beat the Westwood Knights at Imvubu Park Place in Riverhorse Valley at the weekend.
The cricket tournament was launched by title sponsor Aucor as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations in collaboration with former professional cricketer Yusuf Abdulla, who also turned out for the champions.
Aucor Musgrave Warriors beat teams from Phoenix, uMhlanga, Westwood, Overport and Chatsworth to the title.
The star-studded host team included former and current Dolphins players such as Imraan Khan and Sarel Erwee. Other squad members were Amar Ahmed, Mahomed Azeez, Gareth Rall, George Bronkhorst, Labib Adam, Abdul Haq and local indoor cricket specialist Garth Chislett.
Aucor managing director Nazeer Asmal said: “Sponsoring this event fits in with Aucor’s brand, being Africa’s auctioneer authority. We are big in what we do and therefore we specifically put up an arena in our warehouse for this event.”
He was referring to the 18 professional cricket players who were auctioned by the company to the highest bidders before the league started. All funds from the auction went to the players.
Asmal added that the tournament would be held annually to encourage more off-season cricketers to play and meet their fans and to encourage the youth to take an interest.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins star Khaya Zondo enjoyed the experience. “It is the first time this IPL has been done and we are enjoying it. It is a good mix of professional and amateur players. For me, it’s a big learning curve and hopefully I can win next time.”
Cricket enthusiasts were treated to an up-close-and-personal match, with seating directly beside the nets. Cricketers from all teams mingled with the crowd, signed autographs and mentored the youth.
Retired fast bowler Mornantau “Nantie” Hayward, who is the cricket coach at Westville Boys High said the event was a good opportunity to try to develop young talent.
“I told Yusuf if this is going to happen again next year, we must try to get teams from other provinces to join us. I have already spoken to guys from the Eastern Cape to try to get a team up. I think playing indoor cricket for youngsters is a good stepping stone because it helps with technique,” said Hayward.