Chandigarh, August 2: Competitive cricket in Punjab is set for an expanded domestic calendar following the official launch of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League in New Chandigarh. Representing Amritsar, Fazilka, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali, and Bathinda, six franchises will battle across 27 matches beginning August 30. The tournament format pairs emerging state talent with established international stars such as Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek Sharma, and Prabhsimran Singh.
Supported by state leadership under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the initiative aims to build a sustainable pipeline for aspiring cricketers. The official player auction is slated for August 9, with franchises operating under a designated salary cap of ₹45 lakh to build 20-member squads comprising marquee, icon, and district-level players.
Key figures within the cricketing community welcomed the structured approach to talent identification. “Punjab has always been one of India’s strongest contributors to cricket,” stated PCA Secretary Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, maintaining that the state’s deep pool of talent makes the new league a vital domestic competition.
Tournament organizers emphasized the long-term benefits of providing young players with direct exposure to elite environments. PCA President Amarjeet Mehta asserted that sharing dressing rooms with international players will offer valuable experience for developing athletes. India captain Shubman Gill maintained that the association’s effort will help discover future national representatives as preparations continue for the late-August start.
