The night tournament is nearly upon us. Sixteen teams, all with the dream of winning this prestigious tournament, have signed up and are all tied for first place currently. However, that is going to change drastically as the tournament begins and some teams start to separate themselves from the pack. Lets look at the groups:
Group A a.k.a The group of Death a.k.a The group of Champions with winners from the last 4 years, Pak Gym and Challengers. They are the clear favourites to emerge from this group into the playoffs, but then cricket is not a game of favourites. Could we have some surprises in store?
Group B, considered one of the easiest groups by some, though they do have the previous runner-up and favourites from this group, the Flames. Could they finally win it all, or will one of their group-mates upstage them?
Group C, considered the other easier group. Muslim Gym is probably the favourite based on their big-hitting batsmen, but who knows enough about Phoenix, Rivercity, or Smokin Aces to rule them out? This is not a group to be taken lightly.
Group D, also known as The other group of Death. The Wildcats look in imperious form so far, and are the definite favourites to emerge from this group. United is another perenial contender, but don't rule out Arsenal or Anjuman who are just as capable.
So, where does that leave the blogging enthusiasts? Who can predict the tournament champions? Who has the inside track on the upsets in store for us? Can anyone provide some information about the other, lesser known teams - the players, the potential, the style? The tournament is so close, and yet so far.....
Aditya,
ReplyDeletegroup A has winners of last 4 night tournaments not 2
Thanks for the update Tushar. I've only been in the league for 1.5 years, and so didn't know that. I'll make the changes.
ReplyDeleteSo, what are your predictions? Challengers, Pak, or someone new?
Predications for top 8.
ReplyDeleteGroup A.
1.Challengers.
2.Pak gym.
Group B.
1.Chargers.
2.Rogers park.
Group C.
1.Muslim gym.
2.Rivercity.
Group D.
1.Wildcats.
2.United.
aditya,
ReplyDeleteAs a challengers I'll be biased and say we have a very good chance of doing repeat, but then again there is pak, wildcats, muslim, united, rivercity might bring some baggage, arsenal added few players, i know javed will get few from here and there, and few other teams look very good too, and one bad day(in this case few hours) and you are history and enjoy the remaining of the season from the parking lot :)
I will like to predict but don't know these new teams.
ReplyDeleteWho are the Horizon's?
& Smokin aces?
Anyisone knows when is this night tournament starting, which teams are in it, group breakdown and schedule etc.
ReplyDeleteGroup B:
ReplyDeleteFlames
Chargers
Rogers Park
Universal
Who makes these groups? I just find it funny to see RP and Flames in same group that happens to be the weakest one. I smell prefrential treatment.
There isnt a schedule out for the tournament yet, is there?
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion would be... we had hoped for a terrific "kickoff" game, but thats sort of pointless now, since its going to be on a Monday night (and not a Saturday as originally hopes, since we're running late). Thus...this year the tournament will be played on Independence Day holiday period too, with the 4th falling on a Wednesday. The two most attractive games of the early stages of this tournament are quite clearly Pak vs Challengers (most attractive), and Wildcats vs United (probably second most attractive). So, how about scheduling those two games on July 3rd and July 4th (Tuesday and Wednesday)? If all teams concerned dont have a problem with it, that is? Maybe we'll get a good crowd to see those games, if thats the case :-) I know Id probably like to come watch!
c8w
The Horizon's are a combination of players from Phoenix, ICC and PCC. Smoking Aces are primarily the Giants.
ReplyDeleteJaggi,
ReplyDeleteWould you please give us a list of Horizon players.
I am curious to know cause I know Rup plays for Flames.
Or is it a secret till we see them game day.
The rosters will need to be up before the game.. so, it definitely is no secret.
ReplyDelete1. Aditya
2. Mitul
3. Athreya
4. Priyank
5. Jaggi
6. Rup
7. Jack
8. Collins
9. Dan
10. Madhu
11. Bola
12. Vijay
jaggi
ReplyDeletewho's in phoenix then?
Tushar,
ReplyDeleteI know the following are playing for Phoenix - Navin, Samir, Venu, Arun, Nikunj. Not sure who else is in the team, but I know they've got some folks from other teams as well.
So who thinks Horizon will be a walk over??
ReplyDeleteLook out Challengers and Pak you may be fighting for second place at best.
we welcome the challenge, time (i'm sorry good_will).
ReplyDeleteWe see the challenge right at the Horizon... :-)
ReplyDeleteShekhs, How about this?
ReplyDeleteWe know that there is a challenge on the road ahead, but after the darkness, there is always light, and the horizon!
Aditya,
ReplyDeleteI hope the darkness lasts enough that at the end we see the challengers and not the horizon :)
Good Luck to you guys.
Thats a good one!
ReplyDeleteAditya, you definitely have mastered the literature...!!
You guys are loaded for the night tourney...good job..!
I remember you were looking for a team to play, now you are playing for a fav., at least I think you guys are..
Shekh, Tushar, thanks guys. Good luck to you as well.
ReplyDeleteI know everyone says that ours is the toughest group. But honestly, we like it that way. If we are not going to make the playoffs and are only getting 3 games, I like the fact that those games are against the Challengers, Pak Gym, and Rockers. At least we'll get three good games out of it!!
I don't think we are favourites or anything. Challengers and Pak Gym are past champions, and so y'all always start as favourites!
I'm excited to play with Madhu, Maninder, Rup, Jack, Colins, Vijay, and Dan. It should be fun. It's my first night tourney!
Good one Tushar...hey maybe I can learn some of that by hanging out with you.. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the cudos Shekhs..
ReplyDeleteTushar, you know I will be putting our frienship on hold for the 3 hours of playing time at our game.
and after the game Aditya wil write his piece..win or loose::))
Rup,
ReplyDeleteI think I'll mix something in your cigarette or try to get you intoxicated...make use of that friendship...before the 3 hours..
:-)
Shekhs - Don't let Rup fool you. He's already brewing up some concoctions for you, Tushar, Mahesh, Nilesh, Dax, Darshan, Sanjay, and Rupesh!
ReplyDeleteAnd Rup isn't even our secret weapon!! Coz everyone already know what he is capable of. We have another who is on fire these days!
Tushar - The biggest challenge is at the gym?
ReplyDeleteI think we have a secret weapon tooo....will be unveiled for the game...!!
ReplyDelete:-)
Shekhs,
ReplyDeleteIs there a spot next to the park.
May be we can hook up an hour before the games begin??.
sorry Tushar..my bad.. you can join us
Shekhs, C'mon man! We know what your secret weapon is ;-) ... and it doesn't belong on the cricket field!!! hehehe.
ReplyDeleteAditya,
ReplyDeleteThis is no off the field secret weapon man...you'll be surprised..
Rup, yeah, we'll find something man..
Shekhs,
ReplyDeleteI'm just joking. I'm sure you guys have a few secret weapons in store for all concerned.
Either way, it'll be a good game.
Oh yeah...it will be a cracker man..so would the one against Pak...
ReplyDeleteYou guys against Pak will be a good one too..
TUSHAR said...
ReplyDeletejaggi
who's in phoenix then?
----------------------------
Tushar,
We're still trying to recruit Priyank to play for us :)
We have Subbu (Eagles), Madan Kulkarni (Meadows Club), Khera brothers (might play), Charlie (Royals)
For all those interested, unless there is a last minute change, the Abid Laheri Night tournament 2007 begins on Tuesday June 25 (tomorrow)!
ReplyDeleteHorizon, the team I play for, will be playing the first game against ..... Pak Gym! What a great way to start the tourney or us!! ;-)
Adi,
ReplyDeleteI guess tomorrow would be a cracker of a game between u ppl n the Pak..
I would make it to the game to watch the game...
All the best.
Naren,
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot. We're gonna need it. Congrats on having a good game against Milw Utd!
Aditya
Aditya,
ReplyDeleteTuesday is 26th
Thanks Venu. Tuesday the 26th is is.
ReplyDeleteAditya said...
ReplyDeleteFor all those interested, unless there is a last minute change, the Abid Laheri Night tournament 2007 begins on Tuesday June 25 (tomorrow)!
Horizon, the team I play for, will be playing the first game against ..... Pak Gym! What a great way to start the tourney or us!! ;-)
-----------------------------------
It will be an interesting game for sure..
Aditya.. you should be fine if you pick up from where you left off on the day game with Pak Gym...
It will be an interesting match up between Madhu Vs Shahid -> 2 of my favourite power hitters..
-Naveen
everyone is a power hitter in pak and chall. does anyone graft in these teams?
ReplyDeleteI dont believe that a batsman being a drafter or a power hitter are mutually exclusive.. Quite a few batsmen in our league do both..
ReplyDeleteI meant Graft not draft .. :)
ReplyDeleteAdi,
ReplyDeletewill be there to support this exciting tournament!! good luck to all the teams!!
Jaggi,
Good thing it's just a rumor otherwise I will have to bowl instead of Priyank :)
Samir
Samir,
ReplyDeleteThat's great, but I'm not organizing it. To be honest, I don't care if you're there to support this exciting tournament! YOu better be there to support us!!! ;-)
See you tomorrow. You sure you're not playing with us? :-)
Guys,
ReplyDeleteDue to some unfortunate circumstances, the game tomorrow has been postponed to another date.
The night tournament will not start tomorrow, but probably the next week. Not sure, will have to wait for news from the organizing committee.
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ReplyDeleteDowner man. I was planning to drive down from Rockford to see the Pak - Horizon clash :(
ReplyDeleteHope you guys get the logistics sorted out soon ...
Also, I guess it goes without saying, please notify people not playing (perhaps the bols if it takes too much time to update the website) as far ahead in advance ...
Guys,
ReplyDeleteJust want to clarify what seems like a mis-impression! I'm not organizing anything. I don't update the websites. I don't know any more than the next Joe (or if you prefer, Varad or Samir!!) I just thought I'd pass on the info about the first match of the tournament since everyone is looking forward to it. The only reason I knew anything about it is because Horizon was playing.
The match was postponed because Irfan's (Pak Gym) father passed away as is now shown on the website, not for any logistical reason.
Shiraz, Tariq, and the management team are organizing everything.
League could had arranged matches of other teams this week ...
ReplyDeletethat is too much to ask because this league does not have its act together
ReplyDeletePredication 4 week#1 of abid laheri tournament.
ReplyDelete1.Pak gym - Challengers.I think Challenger will beat pak & take a revenge of their lost in last year day finals.
2.Chargers - Universal. Chargers will win it easily.
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