AJMAN, UAE - eTradeWire -- GLADIATORS CROWNED INAUGURAL CORE YOUTH CRICKET LEAGUE (CYCL) UAE CHAMPIONS 2026

The CORE Youth Cricket League (CYCL) UAE Championship 2026, presented by CORE Cricket under the aegis of the International Federation of Corporate Cricket (IFCC), concluded in spectacular fashion as Gladiators defeated Stallions by 57 runs to become the first-ever CYCL UAE Champions. More than a tournament, the inaugural CYCL marked the launch of a global youth cricket movement dedicated to identifying, developing and inspiring future champions through elite competition, mentorship, leadership and international opportunities.

The week-long championship brought together the UAE's brightest young cricketers under the guidance of renowned coaches, former international players and elite mentors, creating an environment where excellence, discipline and sportsmanship were celebrated alongside performance.

In the Grand Final, Gladiators posted an impressive 168/5 in 25 overs, powered by a match-winning 64 off 44 balls from Shashank Mantra, with valuable contributions from Jaimeek Shah (35), Devahans Sahoo (32) and Navneet Gugnani (29). Stallions were then bowled out for 111 in 19.4 overs, with Jaimeek Shah (3 wickets), Mohammad Ashal Khan (2), Ishaan Garge (2), Shashank Mantra (2) and Umran Ammar (1) leading a dominant bowling performance.

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The tournament showcased outstanding young talent throughout. Gladiators were crowned Champions, while Stallions finished as Runners-up. Jaimeek Shah was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 264 runs, including three half-centuries (91, 74 and 50). Shashank Mantra received the Player of the Match award for his superb all-round performance of 64 runs and two wickets in the final. Other major honours included Edit Chaturvedi (Most Valuable Player), Sayedullah Khan Abaskhil (Best Batter), Kkabeer Gangwani (Best Bowler), Ishaan Garge (Emerging Player), Shariq Lakdawala (Best Fielder), Devahans Sahoo (Best Wicketkeeper) and Umran Ammar (Special Emerging Talent Award).

The successful UAE Championship now paves the way for the global expansion of CYCL 2026, with national championships scheduled across the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Nepal, New Zealand & Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. Champions from each nation will qualify for the inaugural CYCL Champions Trophy Dubai 2026, where they will compete to become the first Global Champions of CORE Youth Cricket League.

The championship was guided by an exceptional panel of cricket leaders, including Mudassar Nazar, Shahzad Altaf, Gopal Jasapara, Naveed Ahmed (Head Coach, UAE U-19), Russel Sissing, Hasan Raza, Zahoor Khan, Salman Farooq, Mohamed Muslim and Midhun Sudhakar, whose combined experience ensured every participant benefited from world-class coaching and mentorship.

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Mudassar Nazar, Founding Member of CORE Cricket and former Pakistan Test cricketer, said: "What impressed me most was not only the quality of cricket but the discipline, attitude and willingness to learn shown by every player. CORE Cricket has created a platform that develops complete cricketers and responsible young leaders. CYCL has the potential to become one of the world's leading youth cricket pathways."

Shahzad Altaf, Founding Member of CORE Cricket and former UAE International Captain, added: "The inaugural CYCL UAE Championship has exceeded expectations. The quality of talent confirms that the future of cricket in this region is exceptionally bright. CORE Cricket is creating opportunities that will shape careers and transform youth cricket globally."

Gopal Jasapara, Founding Member of CORE Cricket and ACC Level 3 Coach, commented: "CYCL has demonstrated exactly what youth cricket should aspire to be—a platform built on quality coaching, competitive cricket and strong values. CORE Cricket is building a global pathway that will connect young cricketers with world-class opportunities across countries, and I am proud to be part of this vision."

Through the CORE Youth Cricket League, CORE Cricket continues its mission of developing confident young athletes through elite competition, high-performance coaching, leadership development, nutrition education, character building and international exposure. Operating under the International Federation of Corporate Cricket (IFCC), CORE Cricket is building one of the world's most connected youth cricket ecosystems, providing talented players with a genuine pathway from grassroots cricket to the international stage.

Media Contact
CORE Cricket – Global Media Office
📧 media@corecricket.co.uk