TNPL ready to pull out more talent in second edition

The Tamil Nadu Premier League’s second edition will kick off on July 22 with an aim of recognising talents at the district level. After its success in the inaugural season in 2016, TNPL has increased the price money and added an eliminator game in the knockout stages, similar to the theme of the IPL.

TNPL wanted to include outstation players in this edition and had spoken to top players like Suresh Raina and Yusuf Pathan but the BCCI said a strict no to the idea. Tamil Nadu Cricket Association is still pegging away on the prospect of playing outstation players though it remains highly unlikely that BCCI will give them a green signal.

Speaking of the massive success of the first season, former India and Tamil Nadu cricketer Bharat Arun said that the agenda of TNPL is to unearth talented cricketers and provide them with a platform to express themselves and gain popularity.

“The first TNPL threw light on several cricketers from the nook and corner of the state. It’s concept is to identify good cricketers at the district level,” said Arun.

Arun focused on wanting the unheralded players to get noticed and thereby bag an IPL contract.

“Two outstanding cricketers — N Jagadeesan and T Natarajan — emerged in 2016, and I hope the second edition produces more such talents. Even if 5 per cent cricketers from this competition gets a chance to play in IPL, it’s a success.”

T Natrajan, a left-arm pacer, was absorbed by the Kings XI Punjab side for a handsome amount of Rs 3 crore in IPL 2017 following his great showings in the TNPL. Jagadeesan, who also did well in the inaugural season, helped Tamil Nadu in winning the Deodhar Trophy when he recorded 3 half-centuries in four games during the competition.

TNPL 2: bigger and better

The TNPL 2017 season will be officiated by BCCI-qualified umpires. An integrity officer will be included in each franchise in order to ensure that the players adhere to the code of ethics. The price money for the winning team will be a whopping sum of Rs 1 crore while the runners-up will take home Rs 60 lacs.

The matches will be conducted on only three grounds: Chennai, Tirunelveli and Dindigul. Last season, the players didn’t have any ground to practice on but this time they can prepare between games at grounds near the Tirunelveli and Dindigul venues.

Fan parks at four locations

The organisers have also planned to set up fan parks at Coimbatore, Tiruchy, Madurai and Salem. This was a concept recently started by the IPL organisers to enhance viewership for fans who can’t make it to the stadiums to watch the live action.