According to details on emirates 247.com, the six-a-side cricket tournament kicks off at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on December 2, on the UAE's 40th National Day and will witness former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram reprising his role once again as its brand ambassador.

The event this time is packaged in a more progressive format and a bigger line-up of activities to celebrate the spirit of cricket in the region, it was announced.

The event will be played under the auspices of the Dubai Cricket Council and will feature some of the biggest names in international cricket from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, South Africa and Australia playing alongside 48 corporate cricket teams from the region.

As per the rules of this fast-paced game, each participating team should comprise six players, along with two substitutes, and with the opportunity to choose five neutral fielders from a large pool of players. Playing under the supervision of neutral umpires, the format requires each side to play a limited 5-over innings which they have to complete in 30 minutes.

The eight teams that reach the quarter-final stage will each be assigned a top cricket player, who will play alongside them and serve as a mentor/coach.

The previous tournament was in the knockout format, but this year, the matches will be held in the round-robin format to give the teams more chances to qualify.