Faisalabad to organise national T20 event

Tournament to spur on other regions, says official.

KARACHI:

Faisalabad region has decided to host a national Twenty20 event involving regional teams from all over the country in a first-of-a-kind move.

While sponsorship issues may prove to be a minor obstacle when it comes to regions using their names, Faisalabad Cricket Regional President Anwar Chaudry was optimistic about the event taking place.

“We want the event to go ahead and are ready to change the names of the regions to end the reservations,” Chaudry told The Express Tribune.

“This is a new chapter in our cricket history which would give a new dimension and confidence to the regional cricket association that they can host a major competition as well.”

The dates and format of the event is yet to be decided.

Lahore president backs  event

Meanwhile, Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) President Khawaja Nadeem Ahmed echoed Chaudry’s thoughts and added that with the help of this event, the regions’ abilities will increase massively and give added confidence that a region can do what private sponsors have been doing for years.

“It’s a good move which will inspire other regions to follow suit,” said Nadeem. “I am already planning to hold such an event in the near future.”

He added that holding such events will improve the officials’ management skills at the association level, while  also helping cash-flow issues.

Meanwhile, Abbottabad region president Amir Nawab also welcomed the initiative and confirmed that they will be sending their best team to support Faisalabad.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2012.