PCA invites firms keen on owning teams for Punjab T20 League

In an effort to introduce franchise-based cricket, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) has invited expression of interest (EoI) from companies or business owners interested in owning a team in the Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab T20 League.

The league, which is expected to be organised in September, will be an important tournament in the PCA’s domestic calendar. After a short gap of one season (last time as Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cup), the PCA has invited the EoIs, where the owners of the teams will hold franchise rights for a period of five years or an extendable period. Those interested have been asked to submit their expressions of interest by 11pm on July 20. “The PCA has invited the expression of interest by July 20, and the other formalities will be finalised in the coming weeks,” said Amarjit Singh Mehta, president, PCA.

In the last edition (2024), the management of the PCA had decided to conduct season-2 in 2024 with eight teams. However, this year the number of teams has reportedly been reduced six, and the players auction will be held on similar lines of other franchise-based cricket league. It’s yet to be decided if the players’ auction will involve monetary benefits or not.

“It will be a great opportunity for the state players as the sole objective is to identify talent from every corner of Punjab through a well-structured competition of international standards,” said Siddhant Sharma, joint secretary, PCA. The event is expected to feature franchises representing different regions of the state, including Majha, Malwa and Doaba. As announced earlier by the state government earlier, the tournament may get support from the Punjab government. According to the official communique, the PCA reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal without assigning reasons, adding that the final decision on franchise allotment will rest solely with the chairman of the PCA governing council, who is also president of the PCA.

Punjab players have recently excelled in the last edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and even in the senior Indian squad. Last month, the Maharaja Yadavindra PCA International Stadium in Mullanpur was designated as the nation’s new Test venue, and the matches of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab T20 League are expected to be played at the same venue.