Travel broadcaster Phil Blizzard discovers that some of the world’s most renowned cricket legends were bowled lighted hearted questions at a ‘La Nuit by Sofitel’ gala dinner.

More than 300 VIP guests discovered Sofitel’s glamourous new soirée concept ‘La Nuit by Sofitel’ at Sofitel Dubai Downtown, as part of the ‘ICONS of Cricket’ 2015.

Some of the world’s most renowned international cricket legends, including Shane Warne, Michael Vaughan and Kapil Dev, as well Trevor Bayliss, manager of the England Cricket team enjoyed ‘La Nuit by Sofitel’ gala dinner, followed by the evening’s exciting music entertainment, led by hit UK singer and DJ, Craig David.

The evening’s exclusive celebrations began a gastronomical 3-course dinner served at the poolside setting along with the incredible back drop of the stunning Burj Khalifa.

Then followed a series of light-hearted interviews with Michael Vaughan, Shane Warne and Kapil Dev. They were encouraged to share their new personal golfing insights and what they had learnt in the Pro-Am competion held before this event - a sport they were previously not so familiar playing in.

Ammar Hilal, General Manager of Sofitel Dubai Downtown, presented awards for the Pro-Am golf competition winners with the victorious team being led by Kapil Dev and England Cricket team manager, Trevor Bayliss.

Other winners on the night were, Ottis Gibson, the England Cricket team bowling coach, who won the “Longest Drive” and rewarded with a bottle of champagne. Michael Vaughan achieved “Nearest to the pin”, which won him a putter and also a bottle of bubbly for winning the bragging rights in the head-to-head between himself and Shane Warne.

Denis Dupart, VP Operations, AccorHotels Middle East & Egypt, Luxury & Upscale Brands, said: “It’s been a great pleasure and honour for Sofitel Hotels & Resorts to have been chosen as the official host partner for the ICONS of Cricket 2015. We are very proud to have had the privilege of hosting some of the world’s greatest cricketers in Dubai to compete in the successful Pro-Am event and end the week with our showcase of ‘La Nuit by Sofitel’. It has been fantastic to be a part of such an exciting and entertaining occasion”.

Partying through to the early hours, guests including French actress Axelle Laffont, enjoyed the evening’s music entertainment provided by popular Dubai DJ Bliss. 

The ICONS of Cricket is part of a new and exciting global Icons series of events that also includes the ICONS Cup and the ICONS of Football. One of the purposes of the event was to expose the skill set of the Icons of Cricket in a sport that they are less comfortable in than cricket, but equally as competitive.