Morocco | MCF in early talks with Cricket Scotland for ODI tour

Na Maloom Afraad

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40-year old Mhamed Bennani calls it a day

Tangier Gazette
May 22, 2003

A pillar of Marrakesh Al-Fatah, and a 5-match Moroccan national — Mhamed Bennani has decided to call it time on his illustrious domestic career following Al-Fatah's 'disastrous' National T20 campaign. The 40-year old veteran all-rounder was hopeful of breaking back into the national side just in time for the Cricket World Cup, and while the Al-Fatah we saw this season were a huge improvement from their past self, Bennani's own performances were found lacking, especially in 50-over cricket.

Morocco were admitted into WCC at the twilight of Bennani's career, and while the Bennani the world saw was a shell of his former self, he was still good enough to break into the national side for 3 Test matches and 2 One-Day Internationals. Unfortunately for him, his weaknesses were exposed and exploited in those matches.

He averaged 7.00 with the bat in ODIs, and could only manage a solitary scalp. In Test cricket, his batting average improved to 22.67, and it was still underwhelming compared to the likes of Abderrahim Zniber and Zamen Ibn Al-Hasan. Apart from boasting subpar batting numbers, he also remained wicketless in red ball cricket.

With the emergence of Youssouf Berrada, now a permanent member of the national side for his wicket-keeping skills alone, Mhamed Bennani had very little hope of breaking back into the national side, and yet he still trusted himself to try for one last time by putting up undeniable performances in Al Botola and the Moroccan Cup. Heartbreakingly for him however, he failed to live up to his own standards from the past and found himself barely a permanent member of his own domestic side.

As age catches up with the Marrakesh stalwart, and all hope fades away of him donning national colours for Morocco once again, maybe even at the Cricket World Cup, Mhamed Bennani has decided to make the incredibly difficult decision of announcing his retirement from all forms of professional cricket, effective immediately.
 

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The Atlas Lions bring African heat to Danish summer with blockbuster tour

Tangier Gazette
May 29, 2003

In what promises to be an exhilarating cricketing spectacle, The Atlas Lions have confirmed their visit to Denmark, where they will lock horns with Denmark A in a blockbuster tour through the Danish summer. The tour will feature three First-Class matches, five List A matches, and three Twenty20 matches between the two teams.

The Danish Cricket-Union have officially revealed the tour schedule, sending Moroccan cricket fans into an ecstasy-induced frenzy. The tour itinerary reveals the tour start-date to be June 7th, with the First-Class series kicking-off the tour. Following the conclusion of the three-match First-Class series, the five List A matches will be played, and in relatively quick time, with the entire five-match series scheduled to run from July 3rd to July 9th. The adrenaline will continue to flow from there, with the three Twenty20 matches scheduled on back-to-back-to-back days on July 13th, 14th and 15th concluding the tour.

As the countdown to the tour commences, all eyes turn to the squad selection for The Atlas Lions. The announcement of the squad is eagerly awaited, with anticipation building up to a crescendo. The squad revelation is slated to coincide with the conclusion of the ongoing India A tour, following the fifth and final List A match on May 31st. Following which, The Atlas Lions will swiftly embark on their journey to Denmark, all ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.

For the Moroccan players, this tour represents a monumental opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage. With the Cricket World Cup looming on the horizon, each match will serve as a crucial platform for players to stake their claim for a spot in the national squad. The tour provides a chance for emerging talents to shine and for seasoned campaigners to reaffirm their position, thereby enriching the depth and competitiveness of Moroccan cricket.

However, the tour is not just about Morocco A; it also presents a significant opportunity for the Danish players to make a compelling case for their selection in the national side. With both nations eyeing success in the upcoming Cricket World Cup, every encounter between their A sides holds immense significance. The matches will undoubtedly witness fierce competition, as players from both sides strive to leave an indelible mark to earn recognition on the grandest of stages.

As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the commencement of the tour, the stage is set for a blockbuster summer of cricketing action. With The Atlas Lions of Morocco poised to take on Denmark A in a series of captivating encounters, fans can expect thrills, drama, and unforgettable moments on the field. The tour not only holds the promise of enthralling cricket but also embodies the essence of sportsmanship and camaraderie, epitomizing the true spirit of the game of cricket.
 

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MCF in early talks with Cricket Scotland for ODI tour

Tangier Gazette
June 5, 2003

The Moroccan Cricket Federation (MCF) is in early talks with Cricket Scotland for an exciting ODI tour. The tour is planned for the end of July, following the EUROCON Euro Cup in Norway. While details are still being ironed out, it is expected that Morocco will visit Scotland for two ODI matches, most likely in Ayr and Dundee.

If the tour is finalized, it will mark the first instance of these two sides going up against each other in international cricket since their respective admissions into the World Cricket Conference in 2001 and 2002. It will also be Morocco's first limited-overs bilateral series in the ongoing Future Tours Programme outside of Casablanca Cup.

As fans of Moroccan cricket eagerly await further updates on the potential tour, one thing is certain – if the tour does come to fruition, it promises to be a memorable occasion for players, fans, and stakeholders alike, with Morocco and Scotland, two of cricket's fastest rising nations going toe-to-toe in an enthralling series.
 

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