After the phenomenal success of the Indian Premier League, many state cricket boards of India tried to launch their professional T20 leagues. Karnataka Premier League (KPL) and Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) have already made their name among cricket fans.
Now Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) wishes to replicate the success of these leagues started by their neighbourly states by launching the Andhra Premier League (APL), which will be commencing in June 2022 and is planned to be for both men and women.
Chairman of the APL governing council, Satya Prasad Yachendra, announced APL in the press conference while talking about the structure of APL.
The Chairman cited that Men’s APL will have six teams, which is scheduled from June 22 to July 3 at the YSR ACA-VDA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
On the other hand, Women’s APL will have four franchises from June 28 to July 3. League games in Women’s APL are scheduled at Vizianagaram; Finals will be happening at Visakhapatnam.
Mr Satya Prasad mentioned, “Around 500 players from Andhra will participate in the league. Each team can pick up 20 players,”
ACA treasurer and a member of the APL governing council spoke about new leagues providing extra opportunities to the youngsters and financial stability for players.
He said, “The APL will be a major platform to promote our players and give them an opportunity to showcase their talent. Moreover, the league will also financially benefit both the players and the franchisees. Revenue can be also generated through advertisements. The sponsors will be stand to gain.”
ACA Chief Executive Officer M.V. Siva Reddy also talked about the backing of the Andhra Pradesh Chief minister to this ambitious project. He said, “Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has assured his support to the ACA.”
These two leagues can be the new dawn for Andhra Pradesh cricket, what we have seen in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu due to KPL and TNP respectively.