Sports

Bengal PRO T20 League: Franchises pick players at the draft selection for 2024 Season

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 19 May 2024, 11:31 pm

The excitement for the upcoming Bengal PRO T20 League reached new heights on Sunday as the draft for the teams took place in Kolkata in the presence of officials from all eight franchises.

Former Indian Cricket captain Sourav Ganguly was present on the occasion.

The CAB Office bearers led by President Snehasish Ganguly, along with Vice President Amalendu Biswas, Secretary Naresh Ojha, Jt Secretary Debabrata Das, and Treasurer Prabir Chakraborty were present on the occasion.

Also present were the Apex Council Members and Chairpersons of various committees.

Speaking about the draft, CAB President Snehasish Ganguly said: "The drafting process was very exciting. All the eight teams looked well balanced and competitive. I am looking forward to 17 days of pulsating cricket. The draft process once again shows the deep talent pool we have and the tournament will throw up new stars for the future." 

Scheduled to kick off on June 11 and run until June 28, the Bengal PRO T20 League promises a thrilling display of cricketing talent and competition.

Each team selected 17 players to form their squad for the upcoming season.

Owners of the franchises were actively involved in the drafting process, expressing their strategic insights and aspirations for the upcoming season.

With each pick, the teams aimed to build a roster capable of dominating the field and capturing the championship title.

The franchises expressed their happiness and satisfaction with their picks.

Shobhan Bhattacharya, Team Director, Rashmi Medinipur Wizards said, “The wait is over. Now the time has come to swing the ball , throw the bat and may be a superhuman runout or catch. Hats off to CAB for their fantabulous planning and wonderful execution.  It has to be the most successful Domestic T20 League. Bengal is roaring."

Saket Todi, owner of Lux Cozi, said: “Our dedication to nurturing emerging talent and offering opportunities to up-and-coming cricketers. Strategic acquisition aims to boost local cricket talent and provide a platform for emerging players."

Shyam Steel owner Lalit Beriwal said the tournament will aim to discover future stars of cricket.

Lalit Beriwal, owner of Shyam Steel, said: "Our goal is to motivate and support aspiring cricketers around the globe.”

Rishabh Bhatia, Team Owner, Servotech Siliguri Strikers said,  “We are very happy with the players picked in the draft. Our coaches and support staff are excited to work along with the players. We believe we have a strong squad that can go on to win the first coveted trophy of the Bengal Pro T20 League. The way this league is coming together, it promises to be the most successful domestic T20 tournament.” 

Rahul Todi, on behalf of Rarh Tiger franchise said, “I am thrilled to express our excitement for the upcoming season. With anticipation soaring high, we are poised to assemble a formidable team that will strive for excellence and set the stage ablaze with thrilling cricket action. As we gear up for the eagerly awaited Bengal Pro T20 League draft tomorrow."

The spokesperson of Harbour Diamonds said, “Bengal Pro T20 is something the incredible talents of Bengal badly needed. The charm of franchise-based T20 league is set to be clubbed with some sheer passion by the sports loving people of Bengal! I can't wait to see my team in action.” 

Yash Jain (Pritam Industries), Co-Owner of Murshidabad Kings said, “We are overwhelmed to be a part of the Bengal Pro T20 League, the whole process looks very enticing. CAB and Arriva sports are putting a great show together to promote cricket in Bengal, a state very close to sports! We are looking forward to this growing immensely in the years to come and for women 's cricket as well which is going to be the first of its kind in State Leagues” .

Pratiik Jalan (Jalan Builders) Co-Owner, Murshidabad Kings, said: “BPL is going to be a super platform and gateway for young aspiring players to emerge into bigger formats of the sport. When IPL started it gave so many boosts to young talent and paved roads for many to the international format. This is going to do the same for the state players to show their talent for bigger formats. This will get fame and glory for many over the coming years and we are glad to be a part of this league.”

Rajat Subhra Roy, Director of Adamas United Sports Academy, said owner of Adamas Howrah Warrior, expressed their deep satisfaction at the player drafting, he said, “we have been able to put up a good combination with players who can cater to different playing conditions and match situations and we look forward to successfully compete in the tournament.”

Karan Sodhi from Sobisco Smashers said, “we are really excited about the upcoming Bengal Pro T20 League and we are very happy the way CAB and Arivaa Sports have conducted the player draft and we are looking forward to this league as this the future of the game and also we are extremely happy with the draft process of players and got almost all the players we had targeted and we wish all the teams the very best.”