KARACHI: A record purse of Rs.l.2 million will be on offer in the Omar Associates 30th Karachi Gymkhana Ramazan Cricket Tournament which begins at the KG Ground from Thursday.

Speaking at joint media briefing here on Monday, Karachi Gymkhana president Jahangir Moghul hoped for an exciting competition between the 16 participating teams.

`We have enhanced the purse which is the biggest bumper prize in history of Ramazan cricket which enters 30th year in 2015,` Jahangir said. `I sincerely hope all teams will play in true spirit and show they are great sportsmen during the holy month. Indeed, it`s an honour for the club to have staged the much-awaited tournament successfully over the years.

He recalled the massive role played by Karachi Gymkhana in development and evolution of Pakistan cricket.

`The history of Pakistan cricket would remain incomplete without Karachi Gymkhana,` he said. `Because it was at this venue when Pakistan scored a historic victory against MCC and ultimately earned the Test status.

The winners of the coming edition will be given Rs600,000 compared to Rs500,000 awarded to last year`s champions Omar CC. Likewise, the runners-up prize has been enhanced by Rs50,000 and will be awarded Rs300,000 this year.

Nadeem Omar, chief executive of Omar Associates, who are sponsoring the tournament, lauded the contri-bution of Karachi Gymkhana in organising the tournament efficiently.

Nadeem Omar said that they are sponsoring many events of the city. But their teams enjoying play cricket and achieve excellence.

`Karachi Gymkhana has acted as the torch bearer of Ramazan cricket in the country and have produced a lot of stars who had the honour of representing Pakistan, Nadeem emphasised. `And despite our star players away on national duty in Sri Lanka, there will be other top cricketers in action during this event.

Nadeem also announced that a substantial amount will be given to the family of Shabbir Hussain, the veteran cricket coach who died last year, in addition to groundstaff of Karachi Gymkhana for their untiring effort in maintaining the ground.

Karachi Gymkhana treasurer Razzaq Chotani, member sports committee Abbas, Valika, ex-club president Iqbal Umer, former sports convener and cricket secretary Mian Azmat Hussain, Karachi Gymkhana secretary Lt Col (retired) Tahir Masood were also present on the occasion.

The ceremony was also attended by ex-Test paceman Jalaluddin, former first-class cricketer Zaheer Ahmed, assistant director of DMC South Sports Asif Azeem and representatives of the participating teams.

Heroes CC of Quetta will take on Mohammad Hussain CC in the opening match of the tournament.

The event will be played as per Twenty20 rules of the International Cricket Council.

Following are the pools: Group `A`: Omar CC, Mohammad IIussain CC, IIeroes CC Quetta, KG Whites, Group `B`: K-Electric, Shaboo Star CC, Karach i Gymkhana Blues, Brothers CC.

Group `C`: Eaton CC, Touchme XI, Omar Colts, Dollar East.

Group `D`: Rivo Mobile, Agha Steel, Dubai Islamic Bank, Tapal CC.

-APP