Manipal to host KPL in Sept

Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, Honorary Secretary of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Brijesh Patel said that though tentative dates have been already announced to conduct the tournament of T20-20 matches in Hubli (September 22 to 25) and Manipal (September 26 to 29), the exact dates will be announced in a day or two. The KSCA along with Frontiers Group (India) Pvt. Ltd is considering revising the dates for Hubli as the tentative dates already announced was coinciding with Ganesh Chathurthi festival. However, the tournament is scheduled to be completed in 16 days with two matches being played everyday and 4 evening matches in Bangalore, Hubli, Manipal and Mysore. The two semifinals will be played on October 2 and finals on October 3 in Mysore, he said.

He said that the Association has decided to take KPL to district-level in search of best young talents and encourage them. BCCI has supported KSCA, he said adding that KSCA is happy to open doors for aspiring youths of Manipal and surrounding areas to showcase their best cricketing talent by providing an exciting tournament, he added. 
Patel said the ground condition is excellent. Some temporary arrangements have to be made in view of monsoon, for which Manipal University has extended its support. The tournament will be a great event for the people of Manipal and Udupi, he added.

He said the Association is planning to have cricket grounds in each district of the State to hold KPL tournaments. Grounds are already made available in some districts such as Shimoga, Hassan, Hubli, Belgaum and Raichur. Necessary infrastructures in these places would be developed gradually. The Association is also looking for land in Mangalore for which minimum 28 acres was required, he said.      

G A Moideen Bawa of Fiza Developers and Inter Trade Pvt. Ltd representing Mangalore United team said the talent search is going on for Mangalore Team to represent in Mantri KPL Season II tournament.  JESCO Company in Bykampady Industrial area near Mangalore city has offered 120 acres of land. He has made appeal with the KSCA to discuss with the district administration for transferring 20 acres of land through KAIDB to the Association for the cricket stadium, he said.

KSCA Treasurer Tallam Venkatesh, Manipal University Registrar Dr G K Prabhu, MU Sports Council Secretary Rajesh Bhaktha and others were present.