Sindh Premier League launched
Groundsmen prepare for the upcoming test match between Pakistan and South Africa at the cricket stadium in Rawalpindi on Saturday. PHOTO: AFP
The Sindh government has launched Sindh Premier League (SPL) to provide opportunities to cricket talent in remote areas of the province.
Sindh Premier League (SPL) launch ceremony held at the auditorium of Sindh Assembly was attended by Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon, Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, CM's Special Assistant for Sports Arbab Lutfullah, CM's Coordinator Shahzad Memon, while world famous Pakistani cricket stars Shahid Afridi as brand ambassador of SPL and Abdul Razzaq as mentor of SPL participated in the event.
Six franchises have been created for the Sindh Premier League, which includes Karachi Ghazis, Hyderabad Bahadurs, Benazirabad Lals, Sukkur Patriots, Mirpurkhas Tigers and Larkana Challengers. On this occasion, the kits of various franchises of SPL were unveiled.
Memon said he felt pride in announcing SPL launch. Sindh has given big names like Javed Miandad, Shahid Afridi and Zaheer Abbas to cricket. The league will bring out talent from villages. "SPL is starting from Karachi and next year we will try our best to hold its second season in Hyderabad."
Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah insisted that SPL first season should be started from Hyderabad and Sukkur instead of delaying their participation for years.
Arbab Lutfullah said, "SPL will produce cricket players in various districts of Sindh. Our priority is to build cricket infrastructure and establish institutions in remote areas of the province. We build institutions not individuals to achieve lasting results."
He said that an agreement has been made with SPL that they will build cricket academies in Sindh and bring international cricket coaches.
SPL Brand Ambassador Shahid Afridi said that he is very happy with the launch of SPL as it will promote the game of cricket and bring out the talent from villages and remote areas.
SPL Mentor Abdul Razzaq said that Sindh Premier League is a big opportunity. Its purpose is development of cricket in rural areas. He said that he will help develop the talent of players with earnest intentions and give full support to SPL.
On this occasion, SPL President Malik Arif said that there are few opportunities for cricket players in remote areas of Sindh. Unfortunately, only one Shahnawaz Dhani has emerged from Sindh.
There are dozens of such Shahnawaz Dhanis. He said that 10,000 job opportunities will be created from SPL in the next ten years.
SPL Chairman Malik Aslam said that SPL will not only promote the youth of Sindh, but will also provide an opportunity to highlight the culture of Sindh.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2023.