Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab’s cricketing legacy officially entered a high-octane new era as Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the state's first-ever franchise-based Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cricket League. Organised by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) along the lines of the IPL, the two-week tournament kicked off at the PCA Cricket Stadium in Mohali with an exciting clash between Amritsar Soormas and Mohali Kings. Set to run until September 13, the league features six power-packed franchises: Fazilka Falcons, Ludhiana Lions, Amritsar Soormas, Jalandhar Warriors, Mohali Kings, and Bathinda Royals.
Describing sports as the most lethal weapon in the state’s war on drugs, CM Mann stated that the league will provide budding athletes a massive platform to gain professional exposure alongside established international stars. He emphasized that the state government is leaving no stone unturned to foster a thriving sports culture. Backing this vision with action, Punjab has rolled out its highest-ever sports budget and initiated the construction of 3,100 modern playgrounds to channel youth energy in a constructive direction. Continuing this momentum, the Chief Minister announced that the mega event Khedan Watan Punjab Dian will launch from Bathinda on September 5, uniting three generations of players.
Highlighting Punjab’s historical and contemporary dominance in Indian cricket, CM Mann proudly pointed out that both the current Indian Men’s and Women’s team captains—Shubman Gill and Harmanpreet Kaur—hail from the state. With 21 players from Punjab currently playing in the IPL, and national squad stars like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, and Gurnoor Brar leading the charge, the state continues to build on the iconic legacy of legends like Lala Amarnath, Bishan Singh Bedi, Mohinder Amarnath, Yashpal Sharma, and Yuvraj Singh.
The inaugural season brings together top-tier national icons leading as franchise captains, including Shubman Gill (Fazilka Falcons), Arshdeep Singh (Ludhiana Lions), Abhishek Sharma (Amritsar Soormas), Prabhsimran Singh (Jalandhar Warriors), Ramandeep Singh (Mohali Kings), and Gurnoor Brar (Bathinda Royals). Selected through an intensive auction process from a pool of over 450 aspiring cricketers, 119 selected players will now showcase their skills on this premier platform. Attended by Lok Sabha MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and key dignitaries, the tournament marks a pivotal milestone in shaping the next generation of Indian cricket superstars.
