PANAJI
Panjim Gymkhana Members League (PGML) Season 3 will commence on Saturday (January 6 2024) at the iconic Panjim Gymkhana ground, Campal.
The PGML 3.0 promises competitive T20 action like never before with its biggest team line-up of seven franchises hungry to lift the prestigious trophy. The weekend fare involving 15 match-days, will witness 25 matches in all with the final scheduled for February 18.
The PGML3.0 will kick-off with defending champions Dempo Challengers taking on first edition's winners Prescon Panthers at 9:.30 am. But before cricket takes the centre stage, the tournament will be officially declared open in a grand opening ceremony to be graced by Chief Guest, Rohan Gauns Dessai, Secretary of Goa Cricket Association, at 8:30 am.
The other fixture on Saturday, will feature last season's runners-up Priority Titans and RC Goa.
On Sunday (January 7), Baale Tigers will clash with Desserts N'More Avengers in the morning session. The second game on the day will be between Manas Mavericks and Priority Titans.
Panjim Gymkhana president Manoj Caculo highlighted that the PGML has been exceeding the expectations due to exemplary team-work all-round.
"When we started PGML two years back, we never thought it could go to the level it went. Last year, the second edition grew to a different level. This year we have an additional team and support that we received with the sponsors backing the teams. Initially in the first year, it was only individuals who put in their teams never expecting to get any returns, not that they wanted to make money out of cricket! Their intention was only to promote the sport, but they were backed by sponsors who got their money's worth. In the second edition, it went to a different level and now starting this weekend (PGML) is of a different stature," stated Caculo.
Dempo Group chairman and owner of Dempo Challengers, Shrinivas Dempo outlined the team ethos.
"Our aim is not only to defeat our opponents but to play a game which is enjoyed by the people. We have to defend our title and that's the most difficult job the team has to do. But beyond that, I feel all of us should enjoy the game. We should see good cricket on the ground, which I think is very much essential," asserted Dempo.
The new entrants into the PGML fold will see Desserts N'More owner Dr Sagar Salgaocar lead the team as well. He expressed confidence, saying: "We are all excited. Although, Desserts N'More Avengers are a new franchisee; we have got a lot of players who have played in the PGML before. So, we are pretty confident. I think we have got a good unit and PGML being one of the premier-most T20 leagues in Goa; as a franchisee we are pretty excited. We are sure we are going to make a good impression."
