TNPL will have at least one new venue next year, says Chairman PS Raman

Laying down the vision for the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Chairman PS Raman, on Saturday, announced that the tournament will be played at more venues in subsequent years. Mr Raman was speaking to the media ahead of the Player Draft for the inaugural edition of the TNPL.

Mr Raman said, “This year, we have started with three venues but our assurance is that we will expand the number of venues and there will be a guaranteed new venue next year. The vision is to see that all our districts have decent turf wickets and facilities are available in order to help cricket grow.”

The eight franchises can pick up to 19 players at this stage. The star attractions this year include senior India players R Ashwin, M Vijay, and Dinesh Karthik while there are plenty of other talented players to look forward to. “The TNPL is unique in several aspects and we look to it being the most competitive league in the country,” Mr Raman added.

The TNPL has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow outstation players to take part in the league. Mr Raman informed that he was hopeful of a favourable outcome. “I have spoken to Mr Ajay Shirke, the Honorary Secretary of the BCCI. If the BCCI allows outstation players, then the teams will get to pick two more players,” he said. This will, of course, increase the squad strength to 21. Several outstation players are employed in Tamil Nadu, and have been playing in tournaments conducted by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association for several years. “There are 25 such players. They will be allowed back into the Player Draft if the BCCI gives its nod of approval,” Mr Raman added.

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He also informed that it is “compulsory” for a squad to pick two Under-19 players and two district players. “The goal of our tournament is to grow cricket in the districts and to help them develop from the grassroots itself,” he said.