Gambhir unveils KPL's glittering gold trophy

24-inch tall cup weighs 5.6 kg, official website launched

In all, 15 artistes were involved in the creation of the 18-carat gold trophy, standing 24 inches tall and weighing 5.6 kg.

“The trophy captures the true spirit of the tournament and definitely makes for a proud memento,” said KSCA secretary Brijesh Patel.

Association president Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar said, “The KPL is set to carve out a distinct niche for itself in the state cricketing calendar.”

With State transport minister R Ashok in attendance, Sushil Mantri from the sponsors also launched the KPL’s official website, mantrikpl.com.

Chipli to lead Mangalore

A new Man United is in town, and it is a cricket team.

Mangalore United, Mangalore’s representatives in the Karnataka Premier League, announced their readiness for the fortnight-long competition beginning on September 9 by unveiling their team at the Palace grounds on Friday night.

With Indian one-day vice-captain Yuvraj Singh and former Indian skipper Ajay Jadeja in attendance, Mangalore United named Bharath Chipli as their skipper. The team will be coached by K Sanath Kumar, with Fazal Khaleel as his assistant. Kannada cine actress Sindhu was named the team’s brand ambassador.

“I am a huge fan of English Premier League side Manchester United, and now I therefore will automatically support Mangalore United,” said Yuvraj, while Jadeja appealed to fans to turn in large numbers to support the players. “Players don’t play for the trophies or the money, they feed off the applause of the spectators at the ground,” Jadeja noted.

Team owner Mohiuddin Bawa, of Fiza Developers, promised to do his utmost to develop cricket in Mangalore, somewhat of a cricketing outpost with practically no infrastructure worth the name. Former India players GR Viswanath, Syed Kirmani and KSCA secretary Brijesh Patel were present at the launch which began with a wonderful classical fusion performance.

Akhil named skipper

All-rounder B Akhil will lead Provident Bangalore, the rural side of Bangalore, in the upcoming Karnataka Premier League. The squad and team’s logo was unveiled at a press conference on Saturday that was attended by KSCA president Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar and KSCA secretary Brijesh Patel.