ISLAMABAD, Jun 12 (APP): The Kashmir Premier League (KPL) on Saturday announced that the players’ drafting to select national, international and emerging players would take place on July 3.
This was announced at a colorful ceremony of the league held here.
On the occasion, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Omar Ayub, President KPL Arif Malik and CEO Chaudhry Shehzad along with team franchise owners were also present on the occasion.
The Federal Minister said that the League was going to become a big event. “A curfew is in place in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) whereas KPL is taking place in AJK. The KPL will portray a message to the world of what is happening in IIOJ&K and AJK,” he said.
Chairman Kashmir Committee Shehryar Afridi said there was no ambiguity in organizing KPL as the governments of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were fully supporting the league. “We did not see which political party was in power when the idea of KPL came up as we did not make it a political issue.
When no one in the world knew about Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis they proved their worth by displaying top performances, he said. Shehryar Afridi said that the children of Kashmir would also get the opportunity from KPL to prove their mettle, and added the top international footballer Cristiano Ronaldo changed Portugal through his performances therefore we also need to work on our heroes.
“KPL would also prove to be a successful league, it was just the beginning. Young budding players will get a chance to prove their mettle as two players will get a chance to play in each match,” he said.
KPL President Arif Malik said that the aim of the League was to bring young budding talent to fore and to spread the positive image of Pakistan all over the world through KPL. “After KPL, a high performance center will also be set up in AJK for players. Athletes will also be trained at the center.
Two Kashmiri youths would be a part of the playing XI in each team and will have the best opportunity to show their talent”, he told .
Arif Malik said PCB has also approved the league. “KPL and AJK government have also signed an agreement for Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium after which it will remain with KPL for 13 years.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Cricket Operations KPL Taimoor Khan said that KPL would be an international level league. He said, legendary players like Shahid Afridi will be seen in action in the League besides including foreign players like Tilakartne Dilshan, Herschelle Gibbs, Owais Shah, Tino Best, Albie Morkel, Veron Philander, Monty Panesar, Matt Prior, Ryan Sidebottom and Phil Mustardin in its drafting.
In the KPL, the franchise was given a pick order for the platinum pick through the traditional game ‘Pagan Paghai’.
Bagh Stallions finished first in the new platinum pick, Kotli Lions second, Muzaffarabad Tiger third, Mirpur Royals fourth, Overseas Warriors fifth and Rawalakot Hawks last. The KPL will be played in Muzaffarabad from August 4 to 14,” he said.