Haryana Premier League from Feb 4

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 9

Six franchise teams will participate in the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Premier League T20 Championship to be held under the aegis of the Haryana Government from February 4 to 13 here.

Former cricketer and member of the 1983 World Cup winning team Madan Lal told the media persons here today that a prize money of Rs 21 lakh would be given to the winning team, while the runners-up would pocket Rs 11 lakh. He said a total of 90 players from across the state will be selected through trials and they will be distributed among six franchises — Panchkula Kings, Sirsa Warriors, Kurukshetra Tigers, Hisar Bulls, Rohtak Blasters and Gurugram Gladiators.

The matches will be held at the Sector 16 Stadium and will be telecast live on the Neo Prime Sports.

Two matches, starting 1.30pm and 5pm, respectively, will be played daily.

The event will be organised jointly by the Fair Play Sports Foundation and GD Sharma Memorial Cricket Society.

"Such tournaments will surely help the youngsters to their talent. In our times, there were hardly any tournaments or such exposure, where a player can play in professional environment. A player should be technically sound and mentally calm. Some youngsters spoil their careers as they wish to achieve success in a span of few days, which should be discouraged," he said.

The former cricketer recalled that he had started his cricketing career by playing in The Tribune Trophy here and his family came to know about his interest in the game only after seeing his photograph published in the newspaper. Joginder Sharma, the organising secretary of the championship, said the opening match will be played between Panchkula Kings and Sirsa Warriors on February 4.

Semifinals will be played on February 12, while the final will be held on February 13, he said.