Media Release

Riyadh, Mar 29: Cricket lovers are all geared up for the newly launched franchise based tournament Mangaluru Premier League (MPL) under the banner of Mangaluru Cricket Association (MCA) Riyadh for the very first time. The 6-team tournament will be played at MCA Ground Exit 18 from March 30 to May 4.

The matches which will be played from 2 pm on March 30 will be 15 over a side.

The opening ceremony has been arranged on March 30 at 2 pm on MCA Grounds Exit 18, Sulay, prior to beginning of the matches. The organizing committee members for MPL are Ashraf Patte, Naushad Mottethadka and Shamshu Bailoor.

All teams will play at least one league match against every other team. Top four teams in the table will qualify to play the Qualifier 1 and Eliminator. The winner of Qualifier 1 will enter the final and the 2nd finalist will be the winner of Qualifier 2 (Played between loser of Qualifier 1 and Winner of Eliminator). The final event will be interesting as both teams will play two innings of 8 overs each. MCA rules and regulations will be followed. Only Indian players are allowed to participate in the mega event.

Below are the six teams with their franchise owners and respective icon payers:

Star Warriors Mangaluru – Ismail and Sateesh SCFC – Mihtun SCFC and Saleem SCFC

Yaqoob Fighters – Shahid United and Yaqoob – Naushad Mottethadka and Rifaz Tonse

Cinesoft CC – Habeeb Ashes – Abilash Ashes and Rajesh Ashes

Coastal Karnataka – Imtiyaz Rajdhani – Sarfaraz Rajdhani and Mustafa Rajdhani

Mighty Mangaloreans – Siddik Attackers and Imtiaz Kings Ullal – Saddab 7 Star & Ashfak 7 Star

Mangalore Rangers – Thausif Deera Guys and Hanif Karavali Al Fanar – Badruddin Deera Guys and Shabbir Karavali Al Fanar

Each Team gets to pick two icon players of their choice on mutual understanding whereas the remaining 13 players for each squad have to be picked randomly based on their rankings and ratings in bidding style from three categories – A, B and C. The franchise ownership amount stands at SR 1,500 for each team. The winner of the tournament gets cash Reward of SR 3,000. The runner-up gets cash reward of SR 1,500.

Many attractive individual prizes will be handed over at the end of the event such as below:

Highest Run Getter – Orange Cap – LED TV

Highest Wicket Taker – Purple Cap – LED TV

Player of the Series – Laptop

Player who scores 50+ runs and hattrick wickets in the finals - cash prize

All are cordially invited to extend their good wishes and support for the grand success of the entire event.