Doha Bank hosts Staff Cricket Tournament amid World Cup fever

Doha Bank recently hosted its annual Staff Cricket Tournament at the MIC Cricket Ground in QP, Mesaieed. Thirteen teams comprising staff members from various operating divisions battled it out for the championship while being cheered on by colleagues as the Doha Bank family came out in force for a day of fun, camaraderie and pulsating cricketing action.

The teams displayed a spirit of friendly competition as they aimed for success at the annual tournament, and in the end, Team Wholesale Banking emerged as champions after producing an outstanding performance in the final to defeat Team Retail Banking, who finished runners up. The two teams had made it through to the championship-deciding game after prevailing over their respective opponents first in the preliminary rounds and then in the semifinals, where they were joined by Team MD/Chairman Office and Team DSU.

Senior management executives including Mr. Neil Buckley, Head of Technology and Operations, turned out at the MIC Cricket Ground to cheer the teams on.

Dr. R. Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank, said, “Cricket is a passion amongst many of our employees, and with the Cricket World Cup currently underway, enthusiasm for the sport has reached an all-time high, which was amply reflected in the determination and competitive spirit shown by the teams that participated in the staff tourney. This tournament couldn’t have been hosted at a more appropriate time.”

He added, “As well as those employees who avidly follow and participate in the game, the tournament this year witnessed enthusiastic participation from many staff members hailing from non-cricket playing countries, underlining the spirit of collaboration and community that characterizes the Bank and its staff. We would like to offer our congratulations to the winners and extend our sincere thanks to all participants as well as to those who worked tirelessly to organize this tournament and ensure its success.”

Manoj Jude Fernando of Team Wholesale Banking was declared “Player of the Tournament” for his brilliant and consistent performance while Pushpathas of Team Retail Banking and Suthakar of Team Wholesale Banking were adjudged “Best Batsman” and “Best Bowler”, respectively. Ashan Perera of Team Wholesale Banking was declared the “Best Fielder”. 

Other recipients of individual honors included Dammika Madu from MD/Chairman Office (Most Number of Sixes), Sanath Sanjeeva from MD/Chairman Office (Most Number of Fours), and Valeena from Operations (Best Female Player). Romeo Trinidad Geraldizo II of Team Admin was selected as the Best Player from a Non-Cricket Playing Nation, while Naeem Tahir from IT was declared the Most Competitive Veteran Player.