IPL stars to make second edition of Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cup high-voltage

Mohali, June 7, 2024: Mohali The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) is all set to host second season of the much-anticipated second Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cup from June 10 at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali with Punjabi legendary singer Gurdas Mann to perform at the opening ceremony. 

Punjab cricketers who have done well in the BCCI-backed Indian Premier League (IPL) in the past along with other domestic players will be part of the six teams competing for the winners' trophy to make it a high-voltage tournament. After the stupendous success of the first Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cup, PCA is hoping to witness a fierce competition which concludes on June 27 at the flood-lit Mohali stadium amidst fanfare.

Sharing his thoughts on the tournament, PCA vice-president, PMS Banga said, "We are thrilled to announce the second edition of the tournament. We invite all to come and witness the matches throughout the tournament and especially for the opening ceremony where Gurdas Mann ji will be performing. All state cricketers are raring to go out there and show their mettle. We want the players to use this platform and prepare themselves for the season ahead." JK Super Strikers will lock horns with Intersoft Titans in the first day match on June 10 and in the second game starts in the evening between BLV Blasters and Royal Phantoms.

Surjit Rai, PCA joint-secretary, is also excited for the tournament. "We saw last season how our state cricketers performed in the first edition of the tournament. The Punjab team which won its maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy gained much from the Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cup experience. Some of the cricketers thereafter made it to the IPL teams as well. We hope to host and see another stellar brand of cricket this season." BLV Blasters won the first Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cup.

Speedster Siddharth Kaul, who earned accolades last season by becoming the bowler to take most wickets for Punjab in first-class cricket and was in England for his English county debut will be playing in PCA's T20 league. He played for Northamptonshire and bagged 13 wickets in three matches and six innings. Kaul, former IPL player and Punjab's mainstay bowler said, "It is just amazing to play in this format under the lights at your home ground with spectators cheering on. It is a great chance for the youngsters to grab the opportunities and make their presence feel. We saw so many players from smaller districts take part last season and make an impression," said 34-year-old Kaul.

"Players should do well in Sher-e-Punjab Cup and further make their case strong for Punjab teams, IPL teams and also for India teams. And players who want to make a comeback in the Punjab teams will also get a chance to showcase their skills. Moreover, the matches will be televised which is just amazing. I am sure the second season will be top-notch," added Kaul who will be turning up for Intersoft Titans team.

The recent IPL star Abhishek Sharma, who took Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final, will also be seen in action in the tournament. He will be leading the Agri Knights Kings team. Trident Stallions will be led by another IPL star Nehal Wadhera who played for Mumbai Indians (MI). 24-year-old Naman Dhir who hogged limelight being in the MI team will captain BLV Blasters.

Vishwanath Singh will lead Intersoft Titans, Anmolpreet Singh to lead Royal Phantoms, while Sanvir Singh will lead the JK Super Strikers team.

Each team is scheduled to face each other twice in a double round-robin league stage format between June 10 and June 24. Matches will be played in men’s T20 setup and double-headers are designated for each match day of the league stage.
The top four teams of the league stage will qualify for the semi-finals, which will be conducted on June 25. While the final is set to be played on June 27, the title clash is also allotted a reserved day of June 28.