News & Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD/SB)
Udupi, Jul 21: Mantri KPL brought the best of players into the limelight last season, and is now looking forward to encourage more cricketers from the district. After FIFA World Cup, Manipal, it’s now time to celebrate namma Mantri KPL Season II, since the tournament is of the people of Karnataka, by the people of Karnataka and for the people of Karnataka’ said Brijesh Patel, honorary secretary of Karnataka State Cricket Association.
He was speaking at the press conference held at Manipal, here on Wednesday July 21. After the Indian Premier League (IPL) made waves across the world, Karnataka was the first state in India to come up with a local franchisee driven module – Karnataka Premier League (KPL) in 2009. After the tremendous success last year, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) along with Frontiers Group (India) Private Limited, has announced the launch of KPL Season II.
The Season II of Mantri KPL is set to travel across the state from Saturday September 18 to Sunday October 3. The tournament's second edition will move from Bangalore to Hubli, Manipal and Mysore with each venue getting four days of T-20 action packed matches.
After a good response of the cricket gaming in Bangalore and Mysore last year, this is the first time that the KPL matches will be held in Manipal. The tournament will take place in the End Point grounds, Manipal University; here from Sunday September 26 to Wednesday September 29, with all four being day matches. The KSCA has opened doors for the aspiring youth of Manipal to showcase their best cricketing talent, by providing an exciting tournament.
The Franchisee and Their Teams Brigade Enterprises – Bangalore Brigadiers (Urban) Melmont Constructions – Provident Bangalore (Rural) Fizza Developers and Inter Trade Private Limited – Mangalore United Shubash Enterprises – Belagavi Panthers UB Venkatesh – Shamanur Davanagere Diamonds Vivid Kreations – Bijapur Bulls Jayprakash Hegde and Associates – Malnad Gladiators Sireesh Auto Group – Mysore Maharajas.
The tournament is scheduled to be completed in 16 days with 2 matches being played every day, with 27 days and 4 evening matches. Each team will play against each other in the league round where they fight for a berth in the two semi-finals on Saturday October 2 and finals on Sunday October 3.
Manipal University registrar G K Prabhu Mangalore KSCA chairman Dr Srikant Rai, KSCA treasurer Tallam Venkatesh, Mangalore United Moideen Bava and Rajesh Bhakta, Belagavi Panthers Joseph Hoover and KSCA zonal convenor Manihar Amin were present.