Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, OCT. 3 — The 2023 Corporate Quick Cricket Indoor League concluded with the final match at the Pupkewitz Motors Sports Centre in Windhoek on September 30, 2023. The Capricorn Wealth Warriors emerged as the champions, with CIC Pirates securing second place, and DoorTech Sixers claiming third.
This marked the culmination of a six-month season that commenced in April 2023, featuring 15 teams competing in a 16-over game (8 overs per side). The tournament was exclusively designed for adults and corporate teams seeking a social cricket experience. Notably, it was restricted to participants aged 18 and above, excluding current under-19 or men’s Namibia national team players. Throughout the season, a total of 196 games were played.
The game format mirrored standard indoor action cricket, where each team bowled and batted for 8 overs. Each player was required to bowl 2 overs, while each batting pair had 4 overs. Runs were scored through running between the wickets, with bonus runs awarded for hitting the side nets. Remarkably, each game was completed in just 40 minutes.
Craig Williams, the tournament’s founder and organizer, expressed his satisfaction with the season, highlighting the remarkable teamwork and sportsmanship exhibited by all 15 participating teams. Williams eagerly anticipated the fourth season scheduled for 2024.
“We played two seasons last year and decided to opt for one extended season this year to provide teams with more playing time. The format resonates well with corporate teams as captains can schedule games at their convenience. We make the facility available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, providing all necessary equipment, umpires, and scorers. Players simply show up and enjoy the benefits of playing cricket in a safe indoor environment. Season 4 promises to be even better and it appears that we will have over 20 teams participating,” said Williams.
The competition’s core values revolved around fostering enjoyment, building relationships, enhancing fitness and well-being, and uniting people through sports.
Williams emphasized that the facility, unique in Namibia, was purposefully designed and constructed to accommodate the Pupkewitz Toyota Cricket Academy. The academy currently caters to over 90 boys and girls aged 5 to 19, nurturing junior cricket talent for potential representation at the national level. The Quick Cricket Indoor League was initiated to assist with the financial aspects of running the Cricket Academy, and Williams proudly announced that, for the fourth consecutive year, academy fees would remain unchanged, showcasing the strong support from sponsors and the 15 participating teams.
Reliance Biwa, Marketing Manager at Nedbank Namibia, attended the finals and commended Pupkewitz Motors for hosting the exceptional event.
“Nedbank Namibia takes pride in being a major sponsor of the Corporate Quick Cricket Indoor League finals. It provided us with an opportunity to connect with our clients on a deeper level and discuss some of our market-leading digital platforms. Just as in cricket, where every run counts, every financial decision matters at Nedbank Namibia. On the day, we witnessed players display teamwork, determination, and resilience. We extend our gratitude to Pupkewitz Motors for hosting such a remarkable event. Congratulations to the winners and all those who participated and enjoyed the event,” she remarked.
Nedbank Namibia, through Avo SuperShop, awarded shopping vouchers to the following outstanding players: Hendry Heyns (Best Fielder), Franco Opperman (Best Bowler), and Winmar Rust (Best Batsman).
The tournament received generous support from sponsors, including Pupkewitz Motors, Nedbank Namibia, Avo SuperShop, PayToday, DStv, Coca Cola, Powerade, Nictus, Castle Lite (senior events only), Ricoh, MFG Design, Paratus, CRVW, Inova Pharmaceuticals, and Neo Paints.
