Maradona's football tournament and Wasim Akram's cricket training take centre stage at Expo Dubai's sports hub

Two legends from opposite sides of the world decorate the billboard at next week's Dubai Expo 2020 Sports, Fitness and Wellness Centre, as Argentinian football superstar Diego Maradona is honoured and visitors get the chance to play with Pakistani cricket wizard Wasim Akram. 

On 25 November, the Argentina Pavilion marked the first anniversary of Maradona's death by hosting a football tournament for young players. Born in Lanús, Argentina, in 1960, Maradona is universally regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He captained his country to the 1986 World Cup triumph and, after hanging up his boots, called the United Arab Emirates his home during a colourful coaching career. 

The Maradona Day Tournament was organised in association with the Football Technology Institute and the Argentine Football Association. The former ambassador of the Dubai Sports Council was remembered with a balloon release, a video and a minute's silence, followed by a series of friendly matches between the FTI and AFA academies.

On 26 November, Wasim Akram hosted a cricket tips and tricks session, presented by Mastercard, the official payment technology partner of Dubai Expo 2020. Fans were also encouraged to take part in a cricket trivia quiz and the chance to win a 'Priceless Surprise'. 

The sporting mix continues on 28 November with the start of a men's 5-a-side football "World Cup", which will feature a total of 32 teams representing International Expo Participants from around the world, until 10 January. This will be followed by a women's tournament from 16 January to 18 February. 

Text, photos and videos: Expo Dubai 2020.