Daijiworld Media network - Udupi (SN/SP)

Udupi, Mar 17: The inaugural of the three day twenty-20 state-level cricket tournament will be held at the Ajjarakad district stadium here on Friday March 20.

The tournament is being jointly organized by Udupi Cricket Association (UCA) and South Star Friends of Ambalapady.

The winning team will receive cash prize of Rs 1.25 lac and trophy while the runner-up team will receive cash prize of Rs 75, 000, said K Uday Kumar Shetty, president of UCA, speaking at a press conference held here on Sunday March 15.

The teams that reach the semifinals will receive a cash prize of Rs 15,000. In addition, several individual awards will also be given to players who excel in the tournament, he said.

G Shankar, businessman, will inaugurate the tournament, while MLA Raghupati Bhat will preside over the inaugural function.

Deputy commissioner Hemalata, Udupi superintendent of police Praveen Pawar apart from cine actors like Aditya and Akash will take part in the event.The matches will be held in Udupi Ajjarkad district stadium, Manipal KMC and MIT grounds.

The first semifinal of the first tournament will be held on Saturday March 21 at 6 pm.

Karunakar Reddy, revenue minister, will preside over the valedictory function to be held on Sunday March 22.

Dr V S Acharya, state home minister, will preside over the function.

D V Sadananda Gowda, member of parliament, Suresh Shetty, businessman and Dr H S Ballal will participate on the occasion.

Renowned Comedy King of Bollywood Johnny Lever and actress Rashmi will participate as the centre of attraction in the valedictory function.  Apart from them, famous cricketers like Robin Uttappa, Tilak Naidu, David Johnson and Aravind too will be present, he explained.