Guwahati, Jun 21 (PTI) The Assam Premier League (APL) was launched by the Assam Cricket Association on Sunday, with the objective of creating a professional and sustainable platform for emerging cricketers while also elevating the standard of domestic cricket across the state.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma formally unveiled the league’s official logo, trophy and franchise names, with players and schedules to be announced later.
The APL will feature eight teams, bearing names of different regions of the state, with the matches of the inaugural edition to be broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.
It will be the state’s largest franchise-based T20 tournament.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarma said, “Cricket occupies a special place in the hearts of the people of Assam, and the launch of the Assam Premier League represents a defining moment for the sport in our state.” He maintained that it will provide a dedicated platform for talented young cricketers to showcase their abilities and pursue their aspirations at the highest level.
“This League belongs to the people of Assam, and I am confident it will grow into one of the impactful state leagues in the years to come,” the CM said.
Sarma, in a post on X later, added, “Good news for budding cricketers of Assam! Launched the Assam Premier League, our own cricket league where 8 teams will vie for glory. It’s an excellent effort by @assamcric to give a platform to grassroot level players so they can make it to the domestic & national teams.” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, present on the occasion, said, “BCCI has always encouraged the growth of strong domestic cricket, and a professionally managed state league like the Assam Premier League adds significant depth to the cricketing structure.” Saikia, who had represented Assam at the first-class level, said the state possesses immense cricketing potential, and a platform of this nature will help talented players gain valuable competitive exposure.
“I congratulate the ACA on this important initiative and extend my best wishes for the successful inaugural season of the League,” Saikia, an ex-ACA secretary, added, while lauding the support of Sarma to developing the cricketing ecosystem in the state.
APL chairperson Rajdeep Oja, outlining the vision behind the League, emphasised its role in creating a professional and sustainable platform for emerging cricketers while elevating the standard of domestic cricket across the state.
The launch of the APL marks a significant milestone in ACA’s vision to give the state’s domestic players a regular competitive platform at home and to widen the talent pool that feeds Assam’s white ball tournament and age-group sides, he said.
The eight franchises that will compete in the inaugural edition are Jorhat Stallions, Tezpur Titans, Dibrugarh Warriors, Barak Legends, Nagaon Rangers, Barpeta Braves, Guwahati Royals and Charaideo Sunrisers.
ACA president Taranga Gogoi, secretary Sanatan Das and franchise owners, among others, were present at the launch. PTI SSG AH AH
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