World Memon Organisation – Far East Chapter to hold MPL 2 in Sri Lanka in August

The World Memon Organisation (WMO) is an international umbrella organisation of the Memon community serving humanity through its seven chapters in Pakistan, India, Far East, Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America. 

The WMO was established as an international representative organisation to cater to the needs of the Memon community spread across the world and address issues faced by them at a global level. 

The worldwide Memon community is estimated to be approximately two million people with the majority living in India and Pakistan with sizeable populations in UK, USA, Middle East, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, in addition to small pockets in almost every continent.

Memons are a Muslim ethnic group originating from the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally the Memons have been a mercantile community, but as the years passed, they diversified in to various other professions.

Memons are known for their involvement in philanthropy and entrepreneurship. The first Memons arrived in Sri Lanka in the last part of the 19th Century and engaged in the textile trade and have since then gone on to establish some of the country’s top corporate businesses such as Phoenix Ventures (parent company of Brandix Lanka), Expolanka Holdings PLC, Timex & Fergasam Group, EAM Maliban Textiles, etc.

After the successful inaugural T20 cricket tournament held in Colombo in February 2013, the much-awaited second edition (MPL 2) has been planned once again by the Far East Chapter of the World Memon Organisation (WMO) in Sri Lanka from 24-30 August, with six teams participating from six Chapters, namely Africa, Europe, the Far East, India, the Middle East and Pakistan. The bonds of friendship created the level of competition and the fellowship achieved at the first tournament are still fresh in the minds of all involved.

The sponsors of the MPL 2 are Phoenix Industries as Platinum sponsor and Expo Freight – EFL being the Gold sponsor.

The tournament will be played to international rules covering Twenty -20 cricket. The matches will be officiated by an internationally-recognised panel of umpires and officials. Former Sri Lanka cricketer and ICC Elite panel umpire Asoka de Silva will be the Match referee for the whole tournament. 

The 13th AGAM of the World Memon Organisation, the third International Youth Conference and the International Ladies Wing meeting will also be held during this period to coincide with the tournament to give the participants an added reason to be here.

Addressing the media briefing held in this connection, A.C. Saleem, Vice President WMO FC said that they were privileged that Sri Lanka was selected as the host country for this event after the successful inaugural event which was held in February 2013.

“The first edition of the MPL was conducted in a most professional manner and it received the admiration of all involved. This edition will be even better and the organising committee has been working tirelessly for the last two months to make this event even more memorable.”

All teams will be trying to get their hands on the WMO Presidents Challenge Trophy. Every game will have a Man of the Match award, in addition to the Best Bowler, Best Batsman and Most Valuable Player awards for the tournament. 

The chapter captains are as follows:

Europe – Azeem Rafiq

Africa – Taahir Essack

Far East – Wasim Abdul Razak

Middle East – Akil Aslam

India – Yet to be named

Pakistan – Yet to be named