The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has officially announced the launch of the Bengal Pro T20 League, a franchise-based T20 tournament set to begin in early June 2024. The league, inspired by the Indian Premier League (IPL), will feature eight men’s and women’s teams owned by franchises.
The teams in the Bengal Pro T20 League will be named after cities/districts of West Bengal, following the IPL model of naming teams after Indian cities. This approach aims to ensure inclusivity and broad outreach across the state.
CAB President Said
CAB President Snehasish Ganguly expressed the association’s excitement about organizing a franchise-based league, stating, “After conducting a thorough study of similar leagues in India and abroad, we’re finally prepared to launch the Bengal Pro T20 League this year.”
The inaugural edition of the league will see players selected by franchises through a draft process from various categories, including Bengal seniors and players from district catchment areas. Each team will consist of a squad of 17 men and 16 women, totaling 264 cricketers from Bengal.
To maintain the integrity of the league, the CAB will introduce a Code of Conduct for all teams, monitored by the Anti-Corruption Unit of the BCCI. The league matches will be played in a league-and-knockout format, comprising a total of 31 matches for both men and women.
Venues
Men’s matches will be held at the iconic Eden Gardens, while women’s matches will take place at the BCCI-approved Jadavpur University, Salt Lake Campus Ground. Live coverage of the matches will be provided on leading sports channels and OTT platforms.
To encourage fan participation, the CAB has decided to offer free entry to spectators at both venues for the inaugural season. Additionally, invitations will be extended to all IPL teams to send their talent scouting teams to identify future prospects.
The CAB has appointed Arivaa Sports Private Limited as the exclusive management partner to ensure the league is organized professionally. The Bengal Pro T20 League aims to provide budding talents from West Bengal with the exposure and opportunities to play cricket at a professional level, setting a new standard for excellence in Bengal cricket.
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