Official launch unveils a new chapter for UAE cricket
The Veterans Pro Cricket International (VPCI) Tri-Nations League 2025 was officially launched on September 6 in a high-profile ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Deira, Dubai, setting the stage for one of the most ambitious community cricket initiatives in the region.
Conceptualized to bridge the cricketing cultures of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, the league promises a high-quality, professionally organized competition while celebrating the shared passion for cricket within the UAE’s South Asian diaspora.
A vision built on community and opportunity
The league is the brainchild of Vishnu Dev Sambasivan, CEO of Stellar Sports and Spofit365, with strong backing from Anand Nair, CEO of VPCI. The two leaders outlined a clear mission to provide structure, recognition, and visibility to the thousands of semi-professional players in the Emirates.
“With over 450 players across 16 city-based teams, the Tri Nations League has been designed to be a true community asset—bridging talent, culture, and passion in one spectacular arena. This is about giving back to the game by creating opportunities for those who have kept cricket alive in our communities for years,” said Vishnu Dev Sambasivan at the official launch.
Supporting that sentiment, Anand Nair emphasized the league’s role in elevating UAE cricket from the grassroots up. “This is more than a tournament; it is a transformative platform that celebrates cricket while providing recognition and opportunity to UAE-based players who have long yearned for a professional ecosystem,” said Nair.
He further added, “The Tri Nations League will inspire pride, create rivalries, and most importantly, elevate the standard of community cricket in the region. We are planting the seeds of what could become one of the most respected cricket properties in the Middle East.”
A scale and structure unlike any community league before it
Set to run from September through October 2025, the VPCI Tri-Nations League will feature 16 city-based teams and over 450 players, representing one of the largest semi-professional cricket competitions ever staged in the UAE. The matches will be held at the DCS Stellar Ovals in Sharjah — a ground rich in cricketing history.
Teams will compete through league stages followed by knockouts, wearing custom jerseys that reflect the spirit of international competition. The league is expected to attract widespread digital viewership through global broadcast highlights and match updates.
Launch ceremony sets festive tone for the league
The official unveiling event on September 6 offered a glimpse into the energy and ambition driving the league. The ceremony featured live performances, jersey and trophy reveals, and recognition of partners and sponsors — creating a celebratory, festival-like atmosphere that embodied the league’s ethos of unity in diversity.
The Tri-Nations League is not just a sporting event; it is designed as a cultural celebration of cricket’s power to unite. With the UAE home to over 3.5 million South Asians and more than 50,000 recreational cricketers, the league aims to channel this passion into a professional, aspirational ecosystem.
Strong partner ecosystem underpins ambitious goals
The league’s extensive support network includes Veterans Pro Cricket International (VPCI) as Title Sponsor, with Servhub and YSL Relocations as Support Sponsors. Additional key partners include DC Stadium as Venue Partner, Spofit365 as Onboarding Partner, Stellar Sports & Events and Nexus Sports as Organising Partners, and others contributing across wellness, AV, rewards, and gear.
Among the many stakeholders, Adnan Sohail, founder of Global Cricket and a networking partner, expressed strong support:
“Global Cricket is glad to be networking partner, together, we are not just playing matches, we are building a stronger cricketing community. Wishing all teams the very best. I hope the series be full of unforgettable moments.”
More than just a league — a platform for legacy
By combining cultural celebration with professional execution, the VPCI Tri-Nations League 2025 aims to become the benchmark for community cricket leagues across the Middle East. Organizers hope it will not only provide competitive exposure for players but also serve as a springboard for future cricket development in the region.
With packed weekends, growing rivalries, and a mission rooted in empowerment and unity, the Tri-Nations League is poised to redefine what community cricket can achieve.
