The curtain has risen on the 49th edition of the Bukhatir League, which commenced on June 9 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Sponsored by Seven Districts and staged by the Sharjah Cricket Association, this league is not only one of the oldest cricket tournaments in the world—it’s a proud stage that has nurtured generations of players, with many going on to become international stars.
The story of this tournament is woven with nostalgia and unforgettable memories. As a journalist, I hold deep gratitude for this event. It granted me a cherished place among cricket journalists worldwide, having covered this tournament longer and more consistently than perhaps anyone else. In the past two years, I’ve also taken on the role of a commentator. With the 49th edition underway, it will be close to three decades that I will have covered this this iconic tournament.
Like me, hundreds of others have been touched by the glory of the Bukhatir League. Everyone who has played in it carries the pride and glamour of participating in a prestigious competition. Many have followed the footsteps of their fathers who had earned laurels through the intensely fought matches.
This tournament also holds immense significance in the history of world cricket. For a non-Test-playing nation to host a domestic tournament for nearly half a century is nothing short of remarkable—a major sporting achievement. The Bukhatir League stands as a symbol of consistency, a quality every great cricketer must possess.
Abdul Rehman Bukhatir, the visionary who was primarily responsible for cricket prospering in the desert and after whom this tournament is named, deserves the highest praise. His sons, Khalaf Bukhatir and Waleed Bukhatir, have ensured the legacy remains unbroken. Special credit goes to Mazhar Khan, General Manager of Sharjah Cricket, whose meticulous management has made the league one of the premier tournaments in the country.
The Bukhatir League is a towering testament to the UAE’s passion for the game. Born in the sands of the desert, this tournament has stood the test of time. I traced its origins by speaking to stalwarts who were part of its early days. Ali Anwar Jafri, a fine leg-spinner who delivered lethal spells and later served the Sharjah Cricket Council in various capacities, and Mansour Pasha, one of the earliest players to score a double century in the tournament, provided invaluable insights.
This league began in Al Khan area, along the Dubai-Sharjah highway, on cement tracks laid on sandy ground close to where Safeer Mall stands today. It transitioned to turf wickets in 1981, moving to the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which now features in the Guinness World Records for hosting the most One-Day Internationals. Originally a 45-over format, it now follows the 50-over structure.
The Bukhatir League deserves mention alongside famous cricketing institutions like Mumbai’s Kanga League (founded in 1948) and Pakistan’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (1953–54). It was the seeds sown by this tournament that enabled the UAE to host its first-ever ODI in 1984, during the Asia Cup in Sharjah
Many players from the earlier editions have since returned to their homelands with fond memories of intense battles. Notable teams from the early years include Dubai Bank, Galadari Brothers, Sharjah Club, Valikas CC, Al Shaab Club, Conforce, Eastern, Lanka Lions, Dulsco, and Bank of Oman. The Sharjah Club, captained by Abdul Rehman Bukhatir himself, had dominated the league for several years.
It was a special moment for me too when on February 10, 2008, Mazhar Khan, then secretary of Sharjah Cricket Council, informed me that the Bukhatir league would be a day and night event, and I reported that 34th edition from 5pm under floodlights. So much was the enthusiasm of floodlights coming to Sharjah that the newspaper I worked for brought out a supplement on this historic moment.Sixteen teams played in that edition.
This historic league has been instrumental in uniting communities from across Asia under the banner of cricket. Teams like NUCAF (featuring players from Kerala) and Lanka Lions (with Sri Lankan players) are prime examples. Corporates such as Seven Seas, Yogi Group, Danube, and New Medical Centre have even offered jobs to talented cricketers, strengthening their teams and supporting the league’s growth.
Initially, the Sharjah Club dominated, winning nine titles. In the following years, Lanka Lions, New Medical Centre (NMC), and Fly Emirates carried the torch. Every domestic cricketer who has scored a century or taken a five-wicket haul in this league cherishes their achievement. The Bukhatir League is not merely a tournament—it’s a tradition and a torchbearer of UAE cricket.
As the 49th edition unfolds, new players will be writing their names into this golden chapter.
The ten participating teams are: Group A – CSS Group, Colatta Chocolates, GHK Properties, UAE Kings XI, Macwise Titans Group B – Z Game Strikers, Lexington Shotguns, Gems Education, The Seven Districts, ECB Blues. The final is scheduled for July 2.
