The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday (April 29) announced that a franchise-based U19 T20 League would take place in Lahore later this year following an overwhelming and encouraging response from potential sponsors, partners and entrepreneurs.
The six-team T20 league will be a 19-match affair, and it will be staged between October 01-15, 2022.
According to details released by the PCB via an official statement, the players for the event will be selected via the draft system. In addition to this, each dug-out will boast of an ‘icon player’, who will serve as a mentor or head coach.
The statement also confirms that an overseas player can bring along his parents to Pakistan, and the cost of their stay will be taken care of by the event organisers.
Delighted with his proposal getting approved, chairman Ramiz Raja said, “I am delighted, encouraged and motivated by the response we have received as the Pakistan Junior League’s Request for Expressions of Interest.
“This feedback has strengthened my belief and confidence that we have a huge appetite for cricket and a strong commercial market, which is keen, eager and happy to partner with the PCB on its projects of introducing new properties so that we can strengthen ourselves financially and commercially, and the return on investments are shared with all cricketers,” he added.
This will be the first time a T20 league consisting of juniors will take place, and Raja believes that, just like PSL, it will enable the PCB to create an environment of brilliance.
“Following the success of the HBL Pakistan Super League and the ever-improving reputation of the PCB, the potential sponsors have shown excitement and expressed their interest in the city-based Pakistan Junior League in their endeavour to play an important role in helping the PCB to create an environment of brilliance by providing a clear pathway to the talented youngsters, which, in turn, will fortify our bench-strength and produce new national stars and heroes,” he said.
The PCB boss also expressed gratitude towards the commercial partners for coming on board with his vision.
“Commercial partners and sponsors are the life-blood of our sport and organisation. In this background, I am grateful and thankful to all those who have expressed interest in acquiring various rights for the Pakistan Junior League. I remain optimistic and confident that we will succeed in forming a strong relationship that will produce dividends and developments for Pakistan cricket.” added the former Pakistan opener.
Meanwhile, PCB will also be initiating a bidding process for potential live-streaming rights players.