LAHORE, Pakistan — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released the schedule for the inaugural Pakistan Junior League, which will take place in October of this year.
The Request for Expressions of Interest got an amazing and encouraging response from potential sponsors, collaborators, and entrepreneurs, according to PCB.
Six city-based franchise teams will compete in the 19-match competition at Gaddafi Stadium from October 1 to 15, with players chosen through a draft method and each dugout including a renowned player who will act as the team’s mentor or coach.
This will be the first 20-over league of its sort, with local under-19 players sharing dugouts with international players as part of their learning process and enhancing cricket skills, sharing knowledge, and laying the groundwork for future bonding.
As part of the proposal, each overseas cricketer will be allowed to bring a parent along, with the event organizer or his franchise covering the expense.
The Pakistan Junior League concept fits nicely with the PCB Pathway Cricket Program, which was just created. The cricket board and its strategic partners – including the BRB Group and Engro Corporation – have agreed to provide 100 of the best teenagers with PKR30,000 monthly stipends, a scholarship at a top educational institution, free cricket gear and equipment, and high performance coaching from leading and highly qualified international coaches at the state-of-the-art National High Performance Centre.
“This feedback has reinforced my belief and confidence that we have a huge appetite for cricket and a strong commercial market that is eager, eager, and happy to partner with the PCB on its projects of introducing new properties so that we can strengthen ourselves financially and commercially, and the return on investments is shared with all cricketers,” said PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja.
Our sport and organisation would not survive without commercial partners and sponsors. In light of this, I’d want to extend my thanks to everyone who has showed an interest in obtaining different rights for the Pakistan Junior League. I’m happy and confident that we’ll be able to build a strong connection that will help Pakistan cricket.”
