The inaugural Eurasia T20I Cup, a landmark new cricket tournament featuring eight ICC associate member nations from Europe and Asia, has been officially announced. This first-of-its-kind tournament will bring together four European teams and four Asian teams annually to compete for top honors in the associate cricketing world.

The inaugural edition, set to take place in Dubai from January 1 to 18,2025, will see Malta, Sweden, Norway and Romania carry the mantle for Europe while Asia will be represented by Indonesia, Myanmar and two more countries that will be announced next month’s trophy unveiling ceremony in Dubai.

Former captain of the Cambodian cricket team and director of the 32^nd South East Asian (SEA) Games Manish Sharma, one of the brains behind the inaugural Eurasia T20I, said: “This tournament represents a new chapter in international cricket, particularly for associate nations, giving teams like Malta, Sweden, and Myanmar a platform to compete, grow, and build cricketing excellence. We believe this event will not only increase visibility for these nations but also inspire a new generation of cricketers across Europe and Asia.”

Heralding a new future for Associate nations in international cricket

The planned eight-nation annual tournament will showcase some of the most promising cricket talent from these regions, giving associate nations the opportunity to compete on a global stage and further their development in the sport. The competition is set to become an annual event, with the goal of elevating the standard of cricket across both continents. “Through this tournament, we aim to not only promote cricket in emerging regions, providing associate member nations the chance to gain international experience and recognition but also create a competitive environment that will help develop the skills and abilities of players from lesser-known cricketing nations,” added Sharma, who is also the board member of the Cambodia Cricket Federation. “This will also help us build new partnerships between European and Asian cricketing boards, fostering collaboration and growth across borders.”

“The launch of the Eurasia T20I Cup signals the growing influence of associate nations in the global cricketing landscape,” said Yousuf Gilani of Cricket Norway. “By offering teams like us a regular platform to compete, the tournament will play a pivotal role in expanding the sport’s reach and supporting the development of cricketing talent worldwide.” At 39, Norway are currently the highest ranked T20I men’s team in the tournament.

Dubai-based French music producer Stéphane Boukris and Universal Music MENA – a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment – today announced the launch of “Once Upon A Time in Dubai”, a pioneering musical that is set to captivate audiences starting in December 2025. Supported by key partners ALL, Accor’s award-winning loyalty programme and McDonald’s UAE, this first-of-its-kind production marks a historic moment in Dubai’s entertainment landscape – the first time a musical of this scale has been mounted in the region.

“This is more than just a musical—it’s a celebration of Dubai’s incredible energy and global status. We are bringing together a world-class team and creating something truly unique that blends music, storytelling, and the spirit of this extraordinary city. We can’t wait to share this experience with audiences here and around the world. Something never seen before – one that’s exclusively made in Dubai, by the people of Dubai, for the rest of the world,” said Boukris, the man behind Robin Hood musical that’s sold over 1 million tickets across Europe so far. “This is the first time a musical of this magnitude has been planned in the region, and we’re certain this will go a long way in reshaping Dubai’s cultural landscape.”

“Once Upon A Time in Dubai” is expected to be performed in front of at least 150,000 spectators in Dubai before embarking on an international tour and an exciting screen adaptation, making it Dubai’s first truly global production of a scale and vision never before conceived in the region.

A Stellar Creative Team

The musical score is composed by Nazim Khaled, a leading European composer for singers like Kendji Girac, renowned for crafting hits that resonate globally and have garnered over 4 billion views globally. The music for “Once Upon A Time in Dubai” is a unique blend of chart-topping songs and evocative compositions that drive the narrative forward. Ahead of the musical’s release, fans can expect a debut single and a music video , offering a taste of the musical magic to come.

The director of the show is Johan Nus, well-known in the Middle-East for his work on Arabs Got Talent or The Masked Singer, and as executive producer, Gilles Papain, who has worked on shows like Celine in Las Vegas, Disney World of Colors in California, and Christian Louboutin’s show at the Crazy Horse in Paris.

An Unforgettable Story

Set in the heart of Dubai, the show tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. The narrative weaves together themes of love, ambition, and the vibrant culture of Dubai, promising an unforgettable journey for audiences.

Casting Announcement: Open Call for Talent

At a glittering event in Dubai, the production team also announced the launch of an open casting call for seven singers and 20 dancers of all nationalities to bring the musical’s dynamic characters to life.  “This is a rare opportunity for performers from all backgrounds to be part of something truly special. We’re not just looking for talent; we’re looking for passion and diversity to help us bring this vibrant story to life. Dubai is a city of dreams for all of us, and this production is a reflection of that thought process. We’re excited to showcase the incredible energy and creativity that this region has to offer,” added Boukris. “This groundbreaking musical will not just be a show but a celebration of Dubai’s status as a global hub for culture and innovation.”

Present at the event, Mark Flower, Vice President Commercial Market Strategy, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye at Accor said:  “ This is a fantastic partnership between ALL, the award-winning booking platform and loyalty programme by Accor and Once Upon a Time and Universal Music through a truly immersive musical experience. This collaboration embodies our vision of augmented hospitality by bringing together travel, culture, and entertainment.”   He continued: “ For Once Upon a Time, it offers access and visibility to members of ALL and exposure at over 84 properties in the United Arab Emirates across Accor’s portfolio of participating brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Ennismore’s SLS, Sofitel, Swissotel, Mövenpick, Pullman, Mercure, Ibis and more. For Members of ALL, it unlocks a world of Limitless Experiences through VIP tickets, meet-and-greets, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, creating unforgettable money-can’t-buy experiences. Together, we are fostering innovation and inspiring new ways of connecting people and cultures all around the world.”

Recording for the album is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024 with release of the first single scheduled by year’s end. 

The AD T10 League is proud to introduce its newest franchise, UP Nawabs, owned by philanthropist and venture capitalist Lavish Choudhary. Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Choudhary’s journey from Ghaziabad and Muzaffarnagar reflects his deep connection to his roots and a lifelong passion for cricket. This new venture allows him to combine his love for the sport with his strategic investment approach to create a team that represents the spirit and resilience of Uttar Pradesh.

Lavish Choudhary, an ardent cricket enthusiast, shared his aspirations for the team: “Cricket has been a fundamental part of my life, and owning a franchise in the AD T10 League is a dream realized. With UP Nawabs, I aim to bring the pride of Uttar Pradesh to the global stage and establish our presence as a formidable contender in the league.”

The UP Nawabs are ready to make a strong debut in the upcoming 8th season of the AD T10 League, armed with a talented lineup of players including explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz, dynamic fast-bowler Tymal Mills, power-hitting batsman Andre Fletcher, skilled leg-spinner Adil Rashid, and accomplished top-order batsman Dawid Malan. The blend of international talent positions the team as a competitive force as they prepare to mark their arrival.

The AD T10 League’s 8th season will be hosted at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, which has become the new home of T10 cricket, offering a platform for rapid 90-minute matches that captivate audiences with just 120 balls per game. The format’s immense popularity since its inception in 2017 has established it as a fast-paced spectacle, expected to attract over 100,000 fans this season.

With Lavish Choudhary’s commitment to excellence and leadership, the UP Nawabs aim to make a significant impact in the tournament and bring pride and recognition to Uttar Pradesh.

About Lavish Choudhary
Lavish Choudhary is a renowned philanthropist and venture capitalist with a diverse portfolio spanning technology, hospitality, and sports. As a native of Uttar Pradesh, he has dedicated his career to empowering communities and promoting sportsmanship. Through his latest venture, UP Nawabs, he aspires to inspire young cricketers and fans from his home state.

This version focuses on the 8th season of the AD T10 League and aligns with the context of UP Nawabs’ debut.