(IANS Photo)
The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has introduced its own T20 league, the Kerala Cricket League (KCL). On Friday, August 9, at the Hyatt Regency in Thiruvananthapuram, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson revealed the KCL logo.
Inspired by thriving state leagues in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi, Pondicherry, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Bengal, the KCA heralds the KCL as a transformative addition for the region.
The KCA announced the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) with an iconic launch by Mohanlal.
The player auction is set for August 10, with live coverage on Star Sports 3 and streaming on the OTT platform FanCode. The Kerala Cricket League (KCL) will showcase six teams and take place from September 2 to September 19 at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Each day will feature two matches, both daytime and evening games.
The KCL’s official launch will be attended by Malayalam film legend and KCL brand ambassador Mohanlal on August 31 at the Hyatt Regency in Thiruvananthapuram.
As reported by IANS, the KCA said in an official statement: “Fans can look forward to two thrilling games each day, including day and night matches. The league will officially be launched by the legendary actor and KCL brand ambassador, Mohanlal, on 31st August 2024, at noon at the Hyatt Regency.”
Sanju Samson hopes the KCL will enhance Kerala’s presence in the IPL.
Sanju Samson, a key figure in the KCL, has conveyed his enthusiasm for the league’s ability to enhance Kerala’s standing on the national stage. The Indian wicketkeeper emphasized the KCL’s role in strengthening Kerala’s presence in major tournaments such as the IPL.
With around seven to eight players from Kerala currently in the IPL, Samson is hopeful that the league will pave the way for an increased number of Kerala players to compete in the world’s premier T20 competition in the future.
Samson said at the event: “This platform is a crucial step towards achieving our goal of increasing Kerala’s representation in major tournaments like the IPL. Currently, we have seven-eight players in the IPL, and I hope to see 5-10 more in the future.”
Conversely, 168 cricketers have been shortlisted for the upcoming player auction, with each team preparing to select 20 players.
The KCL player auction will feature three categories:
Category A: Players with experience in the IPL or Ranji Trophy, with a base salary of INR 2 lakh.
Category B: Players from CK Naidu, U-23, U-19 State, and U-19 Challengers levels, with a base salary of INR 1 lakh.
Category C: U-16 state players, university cricketers, and club players, with a base salary of INR 50,000.
The KCA has announced the icon players for the inaugural KCL season: P.A. Abdul Basit for the Trivandrum Royals, Sachin Baby for the Kollam Sailors, Mohammad Azharuddin for the Alleppey Ripples, Basil Thampi for the Kochi Blue Tigers, Vishnu Vinod for the Thrissur Titans, and Rohan S. Kunnammal for the Calicut Globestars.
Sanju Samson’s absence as an icon player has led to speculation about his participation in the KCL, given that it coincides with the Duleep Trophy starting September 5 in Anantapur.
