PANAJI
Goan cricketers will get a great chance to prove their mettle in the newly-conceptualised Geno Prudent T20 Cup cricket tournament to be held from December 10 to 17 at Goa Cricket Association Academy ground, Porvorim.
The highlight of the tournament will be the participation of the State Ranji Trophy cricketers, playing alongside State team hopefuls in a 12-team field in the do-or-die knock-out format. Ghumteshwar-Margao, Badem Sports & Cultural Club, United XI, Nityanand Sports Club, Amar Brothers Maratha Warriors and Mayem Union Sports Club are placed in Group A. Goa Police, Albert Developers SC, Khorjuem Sports Club, Dempo Juniors, Verem United SCC and Krishna Constructions Sunday Champs, are in Group B.
Two matches will be played on the opening day. The first match is between Ghumteshwar and Badem SCC at 9.30 am. The second match of the day, will start at 2 pm, between Goa Police and Albert Developers. December 14 and 16 are designated as rest days.
Geno Prudent T20 Cup launch function and the tournament fixtures draw has held at The Crown hotel in Panaji on Tuesday morning in the presence of title sponsor Geno Pharmaceuticals Chairman & Managing Director, Dilip Salgaocar, Executive Director Dr Sagar Salgaocar, Goa Cricket Association president Suraj Lotlikar, and captains of all 12 participating teams and other sponsors.
Sponsors and players praised Prudent for the initiative to create a platform where local cricketers can improve themselves by playing in a competitive tournament with majority of Ranji Trophy players in action. "Geno has a rich cricketing history. This year we have also started two-dayers cricket tournament for under-16s - a competition that was missing in Goa cricket calendar. We also have many other plans. It is nice to see Prudent come up with an idea of T20 tournament, which is a good news for state cricket in general. We hope to get Prudent and GCA support to realise our future plans," said Geno executive director, Dr Sagar Salgaocar during the launch ceremony.
GCA president Suraj Lotlikar hailed the initiative of Geno Prudent T20 Cup. "This is well-planned professionally-executed launch event. If all the stakeholders come together, you can organise an event like GPL," said Lotlikar.
