Dubai businessman Anis Sajan has given around 700 Asia Cup tickets to blue-collar workers allowing them to watch a live cricket match in the UAE for the very first time.
India, Pakistan, UAE, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Oman, and Sri Lanka will compete in the tournament, which started on Tuesday, September 9. The India and Pakistan match, which is perhaps the most important game, will take place on Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai Cricket Stadium.
Sajan, who serves as the vice chairman of Danube Group, said, “We have set aside 100 tickets for the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan group stage match. Furthermore, we have 100 tickets reserved for the Super 4 stage, assuming there will be an India vs Pakistan clash on the 21st, and then another 100 tickets for the finals.”
As part of his ongoing efforts, he has given away several tickets to local laborers attending the ICC Champions Trophy in the UAE in February too.
He went on to say that, “A lot of these workers for them, this is a unique opportunity to witness their sporting icons in person. I believe cricket of this magnitude is a rarity in the UAE. Therefore, when such opportunities arise, I want to make sure that those who work relentlessly in the shadows of the event get to experience the happiness and euphoria associated with it as well. It is about appreciating them, boosting their morale, and creating unforgettable experiences for them.”
Given that there are more than 2000 employees from different countries, inclusiveness was a priority. “This is why we conducted a lottery draw. This method is unlike having a set criteria. It takes away a lot of the guess work. Plus it is a lot more fun,” said Sajan, better known as Mr. Cricket UAE.
What is telling, he said that there are employees who are going to watch a cricket match that are going to skip work, and won’t lose a day.
Highlights
“No. Workers are allowed to spend time away. It is essential to the work that is being done to recognize volatile…,” he said.