PANJIM: The Goa Cricket Association (GFA) has put its focus on providing maximum opportunities to local players in the Goa Premier League three-dayers league-cum-knock-out tournament to be held from March 1 to 27 across three venues – Porvorim, Sanguem, Panjim.
After a gap of two years due to the Covid pandemic, the GCA revived the Premier League last year in a new avatar with only local players in the mix at the auction. It’s the same pattern unfolding this year too, as the spotlight is firmly on the development of Goan cricketers.
Six teams are in fray, defending champions Geno SC, runners-up Dempo CC, Chowgule SC, Panjim Gymkhana, Salgaocar CC and Alcon Margao CC. They have been split into two groups.
Looking forward to the Premier League is the Director of Coaching and Cricket Operations for senior players, Prakash Mayenkar. “With this initiative of not allowing outstation professionals in the Premier League, we have given all the local talent a big opportunity to prove themselves against the very best of Goan cricket. This is a fantastic stage for the youngsters from across the state youth teams in particular, as they get to face Goa’s Ranji Trophy players with the matches to be played at the best of the facilities across Goa,” explained Mayenkar.
The League will be conducted as the norms laid down by Board of Control for Cricket in India. “We have the best of umpires, BCCI-listed match referees as well so that players get the best conditions to pursue excellence. Players have to make the most of this competition by playing to their potential,” added Mayenkar.
Goa looked on track for Ranji Trophy quarter-finals this season until they lost a home match against lowly Pondicherry, and that hurt their chances in the end. Nevertheless, the Indian domestic cricket campaign discovered young and promising debutantes like Mohit Redkar, Ishan Gadekar. And, when the first ball of the Goa Premier League is bowled, all eyes will be on this duo and one will also look for newer names of high caliber.
