Historic UAE Championship Concludes as CORE Cricket UK, Launches a Global Youth Cricket Movement Across Eight Nations
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 in a thrilling Grand Final to become the first-ever CYCL UAE Champions.
More than a cricket tournament, the inaugural CYCL UAE Championship marked the beginning of a global movement dedicated to discovering, developing, and empowering the next generation of cricketers through world-class competition, mentorship, leadership, education, and international exposure.
The week-long championship brought together some of the UAE’s brightest young cricketing talents under the guidance of legendary coaches, former international players, and elite mentors, creating an environment where performance, character, and sportsmanship were equally celebrated.
A Championship Worthy of Champions
Batting first, Gladiators produced an impressive 168/5 in 25 overs, built around an outstanding 64 off 44 balls by Shashank Mantra, supported brilliantly by Jaimeek Shah (35), Devahans Sahoo (32) and Navneet Gugnani (29).
In reply, Stallions were restricted to 111 all out in 19.4 overs as the Gladiators bowling attack dominated the chase.
Outstanding bowling performances included:
- Jaimeek Shah – 3 wickets
- Mohammad Ashal Khan – 2 wickets
- Ishaan Garge – 2 wickets
- Shashank Mantra – 2 wickets
- Umran Ammar – 1 wicket
Gladiators completed a memorable 57-run victory, securing the inaugural CYCL UAE Championship title.
Tournament Produced Future Stars
The championship showcased exceptional emerging talent throughout the competition.
Tournament Honours
Champions: Gladiators | Runners-Up: Stallions
Individual Awards
Player of the Tournament – Jaimeek Shah (Gladiators)
264 Runs with Three Half Centuries, Scores of 91, 74 & 50 – Outstanding all-round tournament
Player of the Match – Shashank Mantra with an outstanding 64 off 44 balls by Shashank Mantra and two wickets.
Most Valuable Player – Edit Chaturvedi (Stallions)
Best Batter – Sayedullah Khan Abaskhil (Falcons)
Best Bowler – Kkabeer Gangwani (Chargers)
Emerging Player – Ishaan Garge (Gladiators) Best Fielder – Shariq Lakdawala (Chargers)
Best Wicketkeeper – Devahans Sahoo (Gladiators)
Emerging Player – Umran Ammar (Gladiators)
The Road to Dubai Has Officially Begun
Following the successful UAE Championship, CORE Youth Cricket League 2026 now moves onto the global stage.
National Championships will now be hosted across:
- United Kingdom
- India
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- South Africa
- Nepal
- New Zealand & Australia
- United Arab Emirates
Each national champion will qualify for the CYCL Champions Trophy Dubai 2026, where the world’s best youth teams will compete to become the first Global Champions of CORE Youth Cricket League.
A Championship Guided by Cricket Excellence
The UAE Championship featured guidance from some of the region’s most respected cricket personalities, including:
- Mudassar Nazar
- Shahzad Altaf
- Gopal Jasapara
- Naveed Ahmed (Head Coach, UAE U19)
- Russel Sissing
- Hasan Raza
- Zahoor Khan
- Salman Farooq
- Mohamed Muslim
- Midhun Sudhakar
Their collective experience ensured that CYCL delivered not only competitive cricket but also meaningful player development and mentorship.
Founding Member, CORE Cricket | Former Pakistan Test Cricketer “What impressed me most throughout this championship was not only the quality of cricket but the attitude, discipline and willingness to learn shown by every player. CORE Cricket has created a platform that focuses on developing complete cricketers and responsible young leaders. CYCL has the potential to become one of the world’s most respected youth cricket pathways, and I am proud to be part of this journey from the very beginning.”
Founding Member, CORE Cricket | Former UAE International Captain “The inaugural CYCL UAE Championship has exceeded expectations. The level of talent on display proves that the future of cricket in this region is incredibly bright. What makes CORE Cricket different is its commitment to giving young players international opportunities, quality coaching and exposure that will shape their careers. This is only the first chapter of something that can transform youth cricket globally.”
Founding Member, CORE Cricket | ACC Level 3 Coach | Former UAE Player “CYCL UAE Championship 2026 has demonstrated exactly what youth cricket should aspire to be—a platform where talent is nurtured through quality coaching, competitive cricket, and strong values. Throughout the tournament, I witnessed exceptional potential, commitment, and character from these young players. CORE Cricket is creating far more than a competition; it is building a global pathway that will connect young cricketers with world-class opportunities across countries. I am proud to be part of this vision and excited to see CYCL inspire the next generation of champions around the world.”
Building the Future of Global Cricket
CORE Cricket believes that the future of cricket extends beyond winning matches.
Its mission is to build confident young athletes through:
- Elite Cricket Competition
- Leadership Development
- High Performance Coaching
- Nutrition & Athlete Education
- Character Building
- International Exchange
- Global Cricket Opportunities
The CORE Youth Cricket League represents a new model for youth cricket—one that prepares players not only for the next match but for lifelong success.
About CORE Cricket
CORE Cricket is a global cricket development initiative operating under the International Federation of Corporate Cricket (IFCC), committed to creating structured pathways for young cricketers through elite competitions, high-performance coaching, education, leadership and international opportunities.
Through the CORE Youth Cricket League (CYCL), CORE Cricket aims to build one of the world’s largest interconnected youth cricket ecosystems, connecting players from multiple nations through a shared platform of excellence.
Media Contact
CORE Cricket – Global Media Office: media@corecricket.co.uk www.corecricket.co.uk
Recognising Excellence. Inspiring Future Champions.
