Dubai: Hundreds of people flocked to the Oval Ground in Ajman for the inauguration of NGT Bhatkal Premier League (BPL) T20 cricket tournament on Sunday.

A Bhatkal community T20 league organised by Dubai based members of Bhatkal, the ninth edition of NGT BPL tournament will be played over the four weeks, with the finals scheduled on February 27 at Oval Ground in Ajman, United Arab Emirates.

Six teams owned by Bhatkalis have participated in the IPL-style league, with the inaugural match played between Abu Dhabi Riders and DVS United, won by the latter.

Batting first, the Abu Dhabi Riders were bundled out for 145, which the DVS United chased down for the loss of three wickets in 18 overs.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Bhatkal community leader Dr SM Syed Khaleeur Rahman, BPL Governing Council Chairman Abu Muhammad Mukhtesar, Title sponsor of the tournament Ateequr Rahman Muniri, and many other dignitaries. 

More fans gathered for the next scheduled matches on Sunday, when Track Chargers took on AUZ Challengers, while in the third match Galaxy Titans took on Ruknuddin Brothers Warriors.