Friday, Nov 18, 2011
Gulf News
Dubai An ardent cricket fan sent an incredible 630 text messages to ensure he bagged two premium tickets valued at Dh150 each for today’s third One-day match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Dubai.
Shakeel Ahmad, a Pakistan fan, bagged the title of ‘Sabse Badaa Fan’ by responding enthusiastically to a Dubai Sports City initiative urging fans to text either PAK or SL to show where their cricketing loyalties lay. Ahmad will also get a Dubai Sports City cap signed by Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and his Sri Lanka counterpart Tillakaratne Dilshan.
Ahmad, who hails from Islamabad, was determined to emerge the winner and will now receive his cap during the break in today’s match. “I am really very happy. I was hoping that I would get some sort of reward for my efforts and I am now very excited. I had attended both the One-dayers so far and I am really looking forward to this match as the series is level 1-1,” said Ahmad, who lives in Deira and is a UAE resident for more than seven years.
To cater to the demand from fans, Dubai Sports City officials have decided to open the ticket office by 8am today. General manager Sports Business, Maqbul Dudhia, is keen to create a family atmosphere. “We are delighted to have a papare [Sri Lankan music] band playing again during the match as it will add an extra dimension to what should be a superb occasion with a great atmosphere. We hope the music and colour will again ensure spectators will be entertained by events off the field as much as they are by events on it. We want to create a fan-friendly environment and put fans first,” said Dudhia.
The match starts at 3pm Arrangements for Juma prayers at 12.20pm have been arranged for early fans.
By K.R. Nayar?Chief Cricket Writer
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
