If India Got IPL, Kudla Got MPL?
Mangaluru: MPL fever will be back in town pretty soon-just like India got Indian Premium League (IPL) – a professional Twenty20 cricket league, Kudla will also once again witness Mangalore Premium League (MPL) cricket league starting December 17-31, 2016, with added attractions. Addressing the media persons, Rathan Kumar-Chairman of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) -Mangaluru Division said, “By adorning the grand success of last year, Karnataka Regional Cricket Academy is stepping towards organize the MPL-2016. The third version of Mangalore Premier League will be held from 17th to 31st December 2016 at B.R .Ambedkar Cricket Stadium, NMPT, Mangaluru. This Mega event will be held in association with Mangalore Ocassionals and with the approval and guidance of Karnataka State Cricket Association “.
He furthers aid, ” The MPL has become a proper platform for the up coming cricket talents of Mangaluru Zone (Comprising of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kodagu Districts) to step into greater heights in the cricket field. The names of about 24 players who played in the last MPL is placed in the players auction list in the forthcoming Karnataka Premier Leaugue. The matches will be played during day and under the floodlit also. This year eight lighting towers with the height of 60 feet will be provided so as to the players can feel that they are playing in the day light.”
“There is a proposal to provide the Astro Turf Wicket and turf for 30 yard circle. There will be live telecast of the match through local TV Channels and the matches from quarter final on wards will be telecasted through DD Sports Channel. Also live scoring facility will be provided, which can be assessed world wide. The live match will be recorded through high dimension cameras to enhance the quality of live coverage. Fun park is the added attraction this year in which the children coming with their parents can enjoy the cricket along with fun games. Air conditioned live coverage/commentary arena and cabin for press has been arranged” added Rathan Kumar .
Manohar Amin- Convenor of MPL said, “As of last year, the tournament will be held on league cum knock out basis. The twelve teams of different places of Mangaluru Zone will be divided into two pools. Each team has to play 5 matches in the particular pool. Qualifiers will play in the knock out stage.This year a few new teams from Karkala, Kundapura and Baikampady are taking part in the event. The IPL players namely K.C. Cariappa of Kings Punjab, Shivil Kaushik, Gujarath Lions and Kishore Kamath of Mumbai Indians are playing the MPL this year which is given boost to the Tournament.”
Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Sirajuddin and Imthiyaz – the co-ordinators of the event said, “To make the MPL further attractive this year , a provision is given to the 24 icon playes who have represented in IPL/KPL and National Level Tournaments, to play in the tournament. Each team will select 2 players each through the auction. There is a provision given to the owner to choose a player of his own apart from the auction process. An opportunity is given to the 24 NRI players of Mangaluru Zone to show their talent in motherland. The Players from Mangaluru Zone will be distributed into three pools i.e. 48 players to A pool, 24 players to B pool and remaining to the C pool. The players auction process will be held in the month of September.” Balakrishna Parkala-Committee member of KRCA was also present during the meet.
Interested players who want to take part in the MPL have to registered their names by submitting the registration forms which is available on the website: www.krcaindia.com and www.facebook.com/mplofficial. Also players can register their names at the office of KRCA, Hampankatta, Mangaluru.
