Members of the CountingINC pose with the trophy after their victory in the final.

The first ever Auction based Windmills ICAP Cricket League, held on Feb.24-25, concluded with a thrilling victory for CountingINC, overpowering Raylaz in the final match. The action-packed tournament saw 8 teams battle it out in 22 exciting matches, showcasing exceptional talent and sportsmanship.

CountingINC, led by team owner Talha Ahmed, emerged victorious after a nail-biting final. The team displayed consistent performance throughout the tournament, culminating in a well-deserved win. Raylaz, led by Hunain Yasin, put up a strong fight, finishing as the runners-up, whereas, team athGADLANG led by Sumair Hadeed grabbed the trophy for the 2^nd runners up.

The league witnessed exceptional performances from various players, with Adeel Mansha named as Player of the Tournament and Best Batsman, Ali Awais Khan awarded the best bowler of the tournament, Saud Farooq received the trophy for best fielder of the tournament and Arun bulani with the captain’s knock was the deserving Man of the Match of the Finals.

The introduction of an auction-based system for team selection added a thrilling new dimension to the league, creating a buzz of excitement and strategic planning among team owners, captains, and vice-captains. This format not only enhanced the competitive atmosphere but also fostered a deeper sense of team spirit and unity.

The league's success is attributed to the unwavering support of our sponsors and the relentless efforts of the Organizing Committee, Asad Siddiqui, Saud Farooq, Arun Bulani, Naffar Hussain, Mustajab Ahmed, Inayat Begawala and Yasir Gadit. Windmills Valuation, as the Title Sponsor, has been instrumental in the league's triumph. Bilal Moti, the Managing Director of Windmills Valuation, expressed his pride in supporting the ICAP initiatives. "In today's fast-paced world, the importance of sports for maintaining work-life balance cannot be overlooked. As long-term partners of ICAP, we are committed to continuing our support for initiatives that promote well-being and unity through sports," said Mr. Moti.

The Gold Sponsors, Lynchpin and Crowe, have also played a pivotal role in the league's success. Saad Maniar from Crowe echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of well-being among professionals. "It is heartening to see so many members and accounting professionals actively engaging in activities that promote their health and well-being. Crowe is proud to support such initiatives."

Mirza Farrukh of Lynchpin shared, "Supporting ICAP Cricket Leagues since 2016, this being our 8th consecutive year, we are delighted to witness the commendable job done by the Managing Committee. Their dedication has been a key factor in the league's success."

Yasir Gadit, chairman of the Managing Committee of the UAE Chapter of ICAP Members, " This year's auction-based format was a continuation of our yearly ritual to organize this event where ICAP members look forward to networking and sportsmanship. We saw over 100 ICAP members and students participate, fostering a strong sense of community" commented Yasir Gadit. "The success of the auction and the entire league is a testament to the collective effort and spirit of the ICAP community. Looking ahead, we are planning to expand further, with more teams and players, and aspire to host the finals in Sharjah Stadium," Gadit remarked.

Mustajab Ahmed, Vice chairman of the Managing Committee added “It was amazing to watch all the teams compete with such enthusiasm. Congratulations to the winning team and thank you all for your participation and making this event a success”

Naffar Hussain, Member of the Managing Committee emphasized, “ICAP UAE Chapter prioritizes sports events alongside CPD programs, as they create a balanced approach to learning and bonding within the ICAP fraternity."