The four-month extravaganza will feature 12 instead of the usual 16 teams and has a higher prize purse than before.
According to K-Electric captain Essa Khan, the 11th edition of the league will have more opportunities and a better level of competition.
“It’s going to be a tough fight between the top 12 sides this year,” the former national player told The Express Tribune.
“My team has been chasing the PPFL trophy for the last three years. I’m confident that we can win it this time.”
He added that victory in the opening match will be crucial as it will instill confidence in his players if they intend to settle for nothing less than the title.
K-Electric will be facing a young NBP side, and according to Essa, avoiding complacency will be necessary.
“NBP are dark horses for sure. However, we have experience and we’ve made sure to play as a unit instead of depending on just a few players.”
Essa said that although his presence in the midfield is important, his job will be to ensure that each player fulfills his role.
“As captain, I have to tell my players that there is no need to depend on the key striker. Everyone is equally important,” he stated.
The 12 teams taking part in the competition comprise defending champions KRL, K-Electric, Wapda, PAF, Army, PIA, Muslim FC, KPT, NBP, Afghan FC, Pakistan Railways, and Baloch FC Quetta. They will compete in 135 matches this season at three different venues — Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
More prize money than before
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Director Development and Competitions Pervez Saeed Mir said that the total cost of running the PPFL is Rs13.6 million.
On the other hand, the prize money for the winner this edition will be Rs1 million, while the runners-up will receive Rs700,000 and the third-place team will bag Rs500,000.
Earlier, the winner used to be awarded Rs700,000.
The money for each game has also been increased to Rs45,000 from the earlier amount of Rs30,000, whereas the player of the match will be awarded Rs5,000 throughout the season.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 20th, 2014.
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