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T10 format is helping other forms of cricket become better, says Sikandar Raza

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For Pakistan-born Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza, the highly-anticipated seventh edition of Abu Dhabi T10 is another chance to play his favourite sport at his ‘home away from home’. Raza has been a part of ‘Cricket’s Fastest Format’ for the past few years and has garnered massive popularity among local fans. Last season, the right-handed batter was also named the Captain of the Chennai Braves, a position he has retained for the coming edition.  

“UAE feels like my home away from home,” Raza said, ahead of Abu Dhabi T10 2023 which will begin on November 28th. “I get a lot of love and respect in this part of the world. I have made a lot of good friends who have become my family. We often spend time together and remain in touch, and hence, I really enjoy my time in this city.”  

Raza, who was one of the key players for the Chennai Braves in the 2022-23 season, represented the team at the 2023 Players’ Draft earlier this month and helped his side make strategic picks for the coming season. The Chennai Braves bolstered their bowling attack on the draft day, adding England pacer Sam Cook and veteran South Africa spinner Imran Tahir among their ranks, along with Hassan Ali, who joined the team as the Asian Super Star.  

“I am very excited to be a part of the seventh edition of Abu Dhabi T10 League. This was my first time being part of the draft and it was absolutely nerve-wracking. There is a lot of reading, and researching that goes behind the scenes before the draft. It requires one to stay sharp at all times as a lot of things keep changing on the spot. I am really looking forward to the next season.”  

After thrilling fans for several years with exciting cricketing action in Abu Dhabi, the T10 format became global in 2023, travelling across the USA, and Zimbabwe, and will also be on its way to Sri Lanka in December. Raza believes the format has developed tremendously and has now helped players across all other forms of the sport as well.  

“T10 is becoming a serious format and it has already gone global this year. Now cricket statisticians are investing in collecting data on the format because it is being viewed as a future of the sport. The T10 format gives a fearless approach across batting, bowling, and fielding. T10 has helped other forms of cricket as well because players are now becoming fearless. It has also added massive quality to the game in terms of speed, quality, and skill of players.”  

Raza also praised cricket fans in Abu Dhabi and explained how their presence adds to the overall atmosphere during the season and praised Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub for providing the best facilities.  

“I think Abu Dhabi has hosted games really well. Whenever the fans come, they make a lot of noise and support their teams. Hats off to the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub for providing top-draw facilities and amenities of international standards for cricketers. The fans here know their cricket so well and their feedback is very useful for us,” he signed off.  

Chennai Braves:   

Draft Signings: Sam Cook (Cat B), Imran Tahir (Cat B), George Munsey (Cat C), Kobe Herft (Cat C), Richard Ngarava (Cat C), Junaid Siddique (UAE-RES), Aayan Khan (UAE-RES), Vriitya Aravind (UAE-RES), Kai Smith (Emerging), Stephen Eskinazi (Opt 1) 

Retained: Obed McCoy (Cat A), Sikandar Raza (Cat B)  

Pre-Signings: Jason Roy (Icon), Charith Asalanka (Platinum), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Cat A), Hassan Ali (Asian Super Star)  

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Dubai’s flamingo paradise closes for major Dh650-million makeover

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Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Dubai’s hidden gems and a haven for birdwatchers, has temporarily closed to make way for a stunning new upgrade, part of a Dh650-million development project set to transform the wetlands into a world-class eco-destination.

More Water, More Wildlife

The first phase of the redevelopment is already underway, with completion expected by the end of next year. It includes a massive 144% expansion of water bodies, boosting their total size to 74 hectares.

Alongside this, 10 hectares of new mudflats will be added, essential feeding grounds for migratory birds, supporting marine biodiversity and rare plant life.

Nature Gets a Boost

Phase two will focus on enhancing native vegetation and creating improved wildlife habitats to attract even more bird species. Visitor facilities are also set for an upgrade, giving nature lovers a better, more immersive experience.

The sanctuary is already known for its iconic pink flamingos in winter, as well as osprey, grey herons, and black-winged stilts. The reserve is fully fenced, offering safety for wildlife and serenity for guests.

Eco-Friendly Vision

Once complete, the new sanctuary is expected to increase carbon dioxide absorption by 60 per cent, giving a powerful green boost to Dubai’s environment.

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Skip the flight, catch the ferry: Pakistan–Oman set to launch sea service

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Pakistan and Oman are moving closer to launching a direct ferry service between Gwadar and the Sultanate, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance trade, and build regional connectivity.

The developments came during a high-level meeting on Thursday between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and the Ambassador of Oman to Pakistan, Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi.

Maritime Trade in Focus

Both sides reaffirmed their deep-rooted diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties and discussed plans to accelerate cooperation in the maritime sector. Minister Chaudhry highlighted that Pakistan’s exports to Oman via sea ports reached $224 million in 2024, but stressed the potential to significantly increase this figure through joint initiatives.

Gwadar-Oman Ferry Could Unlock Billions

A major highlight of the meeting was the proposal to launch a direct ferry service from Gwadar to Oman, which Chaudhry said could unlock $10–15 billion annually for Pakistan through trade expansion, transit revenue, and investment inflows.

Potential New Ferry Routes

  • Based on current and past plans, potential ferry routes from Pakistan include:
    • Karachi to Gwadar
    • Gwadar to Muscat (Oman)
    • Karachi to Muscat (Oman)
    • Karachi to Chabahar (Iran)
    • Gwadar to Chabahar (Iran)
    • International excursion tours
    • Local city operation within Karachi 
    • Past Sea Routes that Were Proposed
  • There have been past discussions and reports about ferry services between Pakistan and other regions but they have yet to become a reality:
    • Dubai-Karachi Ferry Service: A luxury ferry service between Karachi and Dubai was approved in 2006, with Gulf Dream Cruise being the first operator. This service was planned to take two days and cost $549 for a round trip. However, the feasibility of a regular ferry service for fast passenger transfers was questioned due to the affordability of flights.
    • India-Dubai: The Indian government had granted permission for the launch of a cruise ferry service connecting Kerala and Dubai in 2023. The ferry service operating on the Beypur-Kochi-Dubai route, would prvide connectivity between Dubai and Kochi, within just three days and enable expats in the UAE to carry 10 times more luggage and travel at a lower cost than airlines. The ticket was expected to cost at around Dh450.
    • Iran Ferry Service: There was a plan to launch a ferry service between Karachi/Gwadar and Chabahar in Iran, primarily to facilitate pilgrims and offer a safer alternative to road travel.

Maritime Training & Human Capital Development

Chaudhry also proposed offering specialised training and scholarships for Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy, which is being upgraded to university status. The goal: to foster long-term maritime collaboration and build shared human capital in marine sciences and navigation.

Strong Cultural Ties and Diaspora Links

Ambassador Al Kharusi welcomed the proposals and highlighted the strong cultural connections between the two nations. He noted that Urdu remains widely spoken and understood in Oman, reflecting historic social bonds, and praised the Pakistani community’s role in Oman’s development.

The ambassador also backed greater B2B (business-to-business) engagements to unlock new trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

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Bangladeshi electrician wins Dh25 million in Abu Dhabi Big Ticket Draw

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A Bangladeshi expat living in the UAE has won the Dh25 million grand prize in Big Ticket’s latest draw held on Thursday, July 3.

Mohammed Naser Balal, a 43-year-old electrician who has lived in the UAE for 14 years, took home the life-changing amount after his ticket 061080 was announced as the winning number in Big Ticket Draw No. 276.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Balal shared: “I’ve been buying tickets every single month for the past 12 years, always dreaming I’d win. Today, that dream came true.”

Balal, who purchased the ticket with five friends, plans to split the prize with them and build a home for his family in Bangladesh.

Indian Family Wins Nissan Patrol

In the same draw, an Indian family from Kerala won a Nissan Patrol. Geethammal and her son, now based in Dubai, were overjoyed as the ticket, purchased under her husband’s name, secured them the luxury car. Her husband has been living in the UAE for 30 years and was the first in the family

What’s Next in Big Ticket’s July Promotion?

  • Dh20 million grand prize up for grabs in the August 3 live draw
  • Weekly e-draws every Thursday in July, offering Dh50,000 to four winners
  • Buy 2, Get 1/2/3 Free ticket bundles (online & at airport counters)
  • Luxury car draws: Range Rover Velar (Aug 3) and BMW M440i (Sep 3)
  • Big Win Contest: Buy 2+ tickets between July 1–24 to enter and win between Dh20,000 and Dh150,000 at the live draw

Tickets can be purchased at www.bigticket.ae, Zayed International Airport, or Al Ain Airport.

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