Dubai: The Kochi Tuskers may have had a premature exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL), but there will be enough interesting on-field action to keep cricket fans of the UAE happy over the next month. The newly-introduced Kerala Premier League (KPL) seems to be the real deal now!
This tournament is being held under the auspices of the Dubai Cricket Council and staged at the International Cricket Council Global Cricket Academy Oval ground. Kerala's Sports Minister K.B Ganesh Kumar inaugurated the event in the presence of brand ambassadors India's Test star Shantakumaran Sreesanth and film stars Suresh Gopi and Bhama on January 20 and will conclude on February 24.
Speaking to Gulf News, C.T.K Nasir, one of the seven directors of the tournament, said: "I have been played domestic cricket for the last 30 years here and wanted to create a tournament which will stand out and hence a group of like-minded people joined hands to create this concept. It is a tournament not only for the cricketers from Kerala state but for players from all over India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, UAE and every domestic player."
With over 3.5 million Asians living in the UAE, the tournament is set to create a huge impact.
"Kerala's 14 districts and two zones (Malabar and Travancore) have been divided into different teams. Every team should have a minimum of three players from Kerala in the eleven and the remaining can be made up of local players and a maximum of two overseas players. One player should be under the age of 22 to encourage youngsters into the game," said Nazir.
Eight districts will only participate in the first edition. "Four out of the eight districts have already been purchased by owners for the next five years. The first edition will be contested by eight teams and we will expand it next year with more districts without compromising on the standard of the teams," he added.
Participating teams have already flown in international players from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to play in the event while most of the UAE national team's top players have already been roped in.
Domestic teams
UAE's top domestic teams have purchased some of the districts. Kaladharan, who set up Consolidated Shipping Services which was one of UAE's strongest domestic team, purchased Alleppey.
"This tournament has encouraged our team to stage a comeback after five years to domestic cricket. This will be great tournament and though we haven't flown in international players, we will compete with our top players" he said.
Yogi Group, reigning champions of many leading tournaments in UAE, has purchased Thrissur. Shiva Pagarani, the owner and captain of Thrissur, said: "We have a fine mix of our own players and we are also flying in Pakistan first class cricketers Naveed Malik and Mohammad Rameez.
M.C Jaleel of Dunes Cuisine, the owner of Kannur Veerans has roped in star UAE national team players like skipper Khurram Khan, prolific scorers Saqib Ali, Arshad Ali. Prashant Braggs and Amjad Javed. "This tournament is a platform for all nationalities to join hands and will create greater harmony."
Calicut Zamorins has UAE nationals playing in the team. Qais Farooq, who owns the team along with his brothers said: "This will be the only side with three UAE nationals such as Ameen, Salman and Adil. We will play with best of local talent."
Thumbay Group, meanwhile, has purchased Kasargod Leopards. "We have flown in Ranji Trophy players like Shanta Murthy Sengeni from Tamil Nadu, Shadav Khan from Kerala and Sri Lankan Under-19 players Mohammad Aslam Ghouse and Pakistan Under-19 players Asif Mumtaz, Kamran Shahzad and Imran Zafar. Soon Sri Lanka international Kaushilya Weraaratne will be joining the team," said Akbar Moideen Thumbay, the owner.
Trotters Wynad Highlanders has flown in Sri Lankan international player Dilhara Lokuhettige, who hit 92 runs in the opening match and Gayan Wijekoon. "We will have Mohammad Nabi of Afghanistan playing in our second match on Friday and will be backed by over 500 of our supporters. This tournament has already made big news in this region and is a novel concept with a huge scope to become a big event in future," said Neeraj Ramamoorthy, the owner and captain of Wynad.
Wedlock Malappuram Knights, owned by Jahangir said: "We have top eight batsmen in the team and three good fast bowlers and four spinners and fielding is our strong point. This tournament will provide great exposure to domestic players."
Biju K Nair, the captain and owner of Springs Academy Trivandrum Royals, said: "We have flown in Karnataka Ranji Trophy leg spinner Nelson Noel and former Kerala vice-captain Sashi Kanth. Pakistan's first class cricketer Adbul Haq who can bowl at 140kmph is also our key player."
- Owner Kaladharan Captain Hareesh
- Owner Ameen Farooq Captain Salman Farooq
- Owner M.C Jaleel Captain C.T.K. Mashood
- Owner Akbar Moideen ThumbayCaptain Azeemuddin
- Owner Jahangir Captain Anish
- Owner & captain Shiva G. Pagrani
- Owner & Captain Neeraj Ramamoorthy
- Owner & Captain: Biju K. Nair
