PCL gearing up big time
Unb, Chittagong
Preparations are in full swing to host the country's first-ever high budgeted competition -- Habib Group Port City League (PCL) Twenty20 -- beginning here on May 2 in the smash-and-grab style of the IPL.
Eight teams, split into two groups, will compete in the Tk 2.40 crore Twenty20 tournament at the MA Aziz Stadium.
The participating teams are Chittagong Abahani, Chitta-gong Mohammedan, Chitta-gong Brothers Union, Ispahani Sporting Club, Pirates of Chittagong, Dada Warriors, Top Sports and DSC Tigers.
PCL chairman AZM Nasiruddin told UNB: "Our main objective in organising the country's first Twenty20 cricket league from our own resources to revive the port city's past glory and rich tradition in sports. (It is) also to stake our claim to host at least two World Cup cricket matches in Chittagong."
Satellite TV channel ATN Bangla is expected to telecast four matches live including the opening ceremony and the opening match, two semifinals and the final, informed PCL vice-chairman Ali Abbas.
PCL coordinator and BCB director Alamgir Mohammad Sirajuddin said that the gala opening ceremony on May 2 will feature colourful fireworks for about 15 minutes, a laser show and cultural programme.
The organisers are now busy arranging the much-awaited cricketers' auction on to be held on Saturday at the Chittagong Club auditorium.
Forty-eight leading cricketers of the country, in five groups, go under the hammer with per match floor price of Tk 30,000 for Grade A+ cricketers, Tk 20,000 for Grade A, Tk 15,000 for Grade A-, Tk 10,000 for Grade B+, and Tk 8,000 for Grade B.
The participating teams will be entitled to recruit two foreign players, two national players, four Dhaka Premier League players and three players from Chittagong Division.
The champions will receive Tk 15 lakh as prize money and the runners-up Tk 5 lakh. Man of the match will get Tk 10,000 while league's best player will get Tk 25,000 and highest scorer and highest wicket-taker Tk 15,000 each.
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