2016 MoneyGram CCA T20 Cup preview
Cricket in Cyprus got underway again on 13 March with the Spring T20, contested by 7 teams who will play each other in a league format. Then the 2nd and 3rd placed teams will play off for the right to meet the 1st placed team in the final, which is scheduled for 22 May.
Matches will be played initially at Happy Valley and Episkopi. The final is due to be played at the new ground at Tochni, and it is possible that some games could be played there earlier if it is ready.
The favourites as always will be Fellows, Mustangs and Kazepis. Last year’s T20 was won in fine style by Fellows, but they may be lacking some senior players and are an unknown quantity at present. Mustangs were runners-up last year and are always a competitive team. They have lost a key player in Afridi, but are sure to be in contention for the title as their line-up is full of quality.
Kazepis have also lost a key man – last season’s captain Shafaqat Ali. This time they will be led by Zahid. They are a team well equipped for T20 cricket, with Shahid among several destructive batsmen, and they are a team that always competes to the last ball.
Moufflons have added a number of young players to their squad to support the experienced Muhammad and Murtaza, and will hope to improve on recent seasons. Another dark horse will be Sri Lankans, who are the only newcomers from last season and have a number of good players.
The two military teams will have home advantage for their games. Epi Lions have struggled in recent years but possess some potential matchwinners, while PWRR have competed well against all opponents and could cause a few surprises with their line-up of solid all-rounders.
Results and reports will appear on the Cyprus Cricket website each week, and an exciting tournament is anticipated.