Dubai: Lenova Pro Kerala League (PKL), presented by Milano, is a tournament with a difference. It is a tournament which will be for expatriates from Kerala only.
Speaking to Gulf News, Manish Kishore, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the PKL, said: “We have launched such a tournament as UAE has over 1.2 million people from Kerala and this event will be a tribute to the people from this state who have made UAE their home.”
The tournament will be held on October 20, 21, 27 and 28 at the United Pro Sports Al Quoz.
A number of leading corporate houses, owned by Kerala businessmen, led by the popular Joyalukkas have stepped forward to sponsor the teams. Danube Group, which has backed all indoor cricket tournaments in the UAE is backing the event through Milano, a part of their company.
PKL will feature 14 teams representing each district of Kerala: Lims Cafe Kannur Tuskers in association with Lims Group; Danube Kozhikode Warriors; Centena Kochi United; UAE Exchange Trivandrum Bashers in association with Xpress Money; AV PRO Pathanamthitta Stars; Palakkad Musketeers; Filli Kasaragod Blasters; Micro Excel Thrissur Thunders; Cricbros Idukki Trekkers; House of Parmar Malappuram Knights; Kalandoor Group Kottayam Commandoes; FAB12 Kollam Strikers; MMME Wayanad Blazers powered by Joyalukkas and Foco Alapuzzha Hurricanes.
The PKL will follow an IPL-like format with HIT 96.7FM as radio partner and NTV as TV partner. Over 168 players have been selected from over 1000 who enrolled to play.
India’s indoor cricket team mentor Anis Sajan, who is also Managing Director of Danube, said: “Cricket is a sport followed by the huge workforce from Kerala. We are backing this event as it is unique and being organised with so much of care and with purpose.”
“A festival like atmosphere has been created at the indoor sports facility with the Lenovo Fan Zone and family area. A total of Dh100,000 in cash and prizes will be given away to spectators. We have created close to 2,000 seats at the venue to give it a stadium like atmosphere,” said Manish.
