The first phase of the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) will be held at the SDNR Wadiyar cricket ground at Manasagangotri here from September 16 and 22. The second phase — including the semi-finals and the final — will be hosted at the KSCA Stadium in Hubballi.
KPL was introduced by the Karnataka State Cricket Association in 2009 as a launch pad for the State’s talented youngsters. “The best aspect of KPL is the increasing number of cricketers it has helped unearth and develop. This has had a positive impact on the fortunes of the players and the State,” said Brijesh Patel, honorary secretary of KSCA, in a release.
Talent scouts of the Indian Premier League flock to KPL venues in search of fresh, exciting talent. They have selected many players from KPL and made them household names. One example is Shivil Kaushik who went from anonymity to an IPL contract with the Gujarat Lions and now a contract with English club Hull City in the Yorkshire league, all in one season, after coming into the limelight through KPL. “Taking note of the success of KPL, other [cricket] associations in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mumbai and Bengal are reportedly in the process of developing similar leagues,” the release said.
Infrastructure boost
Hubballi and Mysuru, where KPL will be hosted this year, have excellent cricket stadiums, including floodlight facilities for day-night matches. The top class net facilities have benefitted the local cricketers in the region, the release said. “This year, the matches will be held in the upgraded stadiums of Hubballi and Mysuru from September 16 to Oct 1. In the near future, we hope to host some matches in Shivamogga and Mangaluru too,” said P.R. Ashokanand, president, KSCA.
Arjun M. Ranga, managing director of Cycle Pure Agarbathies, which owns the Mysore Warriors franchise, said, “We are delighted about this collaboration. KPL will help get talent recognised, which might lead to national opportunities.”
