KPL grows bigger and better in 2015
The Indian Premier League has certainly created an impact on World Cricket. But closer home it has become a part of millions who throng the stadiums across the country and watch TV, some even going to the extent of bunking work to watch their favorite teams or players.
Then followed the off-springs of the World famous T20 bash in various cricket playing nations and States in India were not far behind.
Today, Karnataka probably boasts of the best T20 bash in Indian State cricket. The Karnataka Premier League (KPL), a vision of the Late President of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and Scion of the Royal Family, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, was an insight into what Karnataka should become in terms of a cricketing State.
Promised to be a five-year affair by the Committee led by Hon Secy. Brijesh Patel, the event did hit some rough spots, but the KSCA Committee showed their determination and dedication to conducting the event. That insight back in 2009 has been achieved with sponsors jumping in, realizing the potential of furthering their Brand through this association with the format of the game.
In 2014 three of the original eight teams and three new franchisees came forward and Sandalwood Star Kiccha Sudeep, along with co-owner Raju Gowda, got his Rockstars team, formed with cine stars from all over the country, into the fray. The advent of the Rockstars in the contest did raise interest amongst the Cine fans and the element of entertainment was complete.
Speaking about his association with KPL and cricket, Kiccha Sudeep said, “I have always been very passionate about cricket and have tremendous respect for all the legends associated with the game, especially those from Karnataka. Amongst the current crop of players, there are several who have been making a mark in the national side and several youngsters who have shown tremendous promise. I have always longed to be associated with the game and KPL has given me this opportunity to do my bit to uplift the game. I would like to thank the KSCA Management, Carlton Saldana, and VK Anil Kumar, all of whom have been instrumental in me participating in this exciting T20 league.”
There is no doubt in anybody’s mind that the Karnataka Premier League has been a success and has captured the attention of cricket fanatics and the layperson all over the state. With the last three editions, 2009, 2010 and 2014 being telecast live, the hunger for the event has doubled amongst the public.
As promised the KSCA has taken the event to the Districts and this year, the Karbonn Smart KPL IV will be held at Mysore and Hubli, the Royal City set to host the opening match and final of the tournament.
“It is a fantastic tournament”, said Arjun Ranga, the owner of Mysore Warriors, who bought the Franchise only last year and immediately tasted success, clinching the title.
“It certainly helps Karnataka’s fringe players by giving them an opportunity to showcase their talent. It (KPL) is a fantastic initiative by the KSCA to improve cricket in the districts and we are happy that this tournament helps moffusil players”, added Arjun, whose Company, Cycle Brand Agarbathi is under the name of N Ranga Rao & Sons.
As for their interest and getting associated with the KPL, Arjun said, “We are a Mysore-based company. We love the game and have been involved with the sport for over a decade now. We sponsored the Indian team for the 2002 Asia Cup and then for the Tri-Series in Sri Lanka. We felt we needed to do something for Mysore City and buying a team and nurturing local talent is the best way forward for us. We had eight players from Mysore in the team last year. This tournament also helps us in branding for our company”.
The new team in the league this year, Shimoga is raring to go. Team owner Umapathi said, "I have always been very passionate about cricket and have followed KPL closely during the last few editions. It has always been a dream to own a team and this dream has come true with the help of the KPL committee at KSCA and Sudeep."
Speaking about his franchisee he said, "This franchisee is close to my heart also because I have grown up in Shimoga and have many wonderful memories of the place. I hope to bid for the best players and I'm sure my team will have a great chance of lifting the trophy this year."
Outlining his expectations for the tournament he said, "I expect this year to be even more explosive with the likes of Sunil Joshi, Venkatesh Prasad and David Johnson on the field. Last year players like KC Cariappa and J Suchith were selected for IPL teams based on their excellent performance at the KPL. This year, I expect even more players to receive IPL contracts and I will be very happy if they are from my team"
"The KPL is one of the best platforms for young players to go to the next level. There are players from our team who have graduated from playing the district league to representing the State and Country through via this tournament", said Co-owner of Belgavi Panthers, Nagesh.
"We expect this year's KPL to be better than the previous ones. Reason being that the dates have been announced and we as team owners have more than two months to set up a new team management, work on sponsorships as well as do our homework on the kind of players we would like to bid for".
On he and his co-partner Subash Chandra buying a team, Nagesh said, "I have been a cricket player but did not get to the next level. I have sponsored many tournaments and players in knitting them and enrolling them in league teams for over 10 years. When the KPL came up, a very close well-wisher urged me to take up a team for the benefit of our district and catchment areas and with Subash agreeing we have managed to see through three KPL's so far", he said.
Mangalore United co-owner B.M Farookh called the KPL a good concept to promote the game all over the state. “The KSCA Committee is working very hard and is committed in promoting the game. It is visible as many district players now represent the State senior team”, he said.
Saying that the popularity of the event has grown so huge he felt that the tournament needs to be continued with.
“They should re-work towards conducting the KPL for another five years and fix a time slot that allows every district host a few matches. That will not only make the game more popular it will also help increase the number of new children taking to the game”.
Talking of his team’s victory in the second edition, Farookh was all smiles, ear-to-ear he said, “We had a welcome procession for about 21 kms with bikes and cars honking away. We had shows and parties in honor of the team. It was a great feeling and it helped create a lot of awareness in our catchment areas. We now have a huge fan following”.
For Sushil Jindal, a cricket fanatic, it has always been a dream to own a cricket team and with Hubli Tigers that came true. “It is wonderful to see KPL revived as the tournament sets a stage not only for young players but also provides an opportunity for all those associated with the game to prove themselves. KPL provides an excellent stepping stone to success,” he said.
With each edition of the tournament, expectations have also risen, alike amongst players, owners and the public.
“The KPL is improving every year and this year I feel it should be better than last year”, said Arvind of Bellary Tuskers.
“We have a huge following and get awesome response on social media despite not having too many players from our areas, yet, in our team”.
A passionate cricketer in his College days, Arvind has represented the Indian Advocates at two World Cups and gearing up for his third in Australia coming December.
“At the end of the day, I do it for the players. I stand for cricket in the State and this tournament benefits players in a large way from the State. There are many who have used the KPL as a jumping board to get into the state team and hopefully a few will make it to the national team”, he added.
Kiran Kattimani of Bijapur Bulls called the KPL a “fantastic and superb league”. “T20 is a stressful game and players are always under pressure. The tournament offers the State association the chance to find and identify quality T20 players in a matter of weeks”, he said.
“Our state players have been aggressive and the results are there to see. They have won the Ranji Trophy back-to-back and three National titles in-a-row. This has all been possible mainly due to the KPL as it has created a platform for players from the districts”, he added.
An avid golfer, Kiran felt that cricket in his catchment area did need his support.
“God has given me enough and I wanted to help cricketers here. There are many talented players who lose out for lack of financial stability. We go around identifying talent and supporting them and it has been a good journey so far”, he added.