Tamil Nadu Premier League or TNPL T20, the latest regional cricket league, is here to enthrall fans. The league is in its debut season and features top cricketers from South India. The league was launched by Indian limited-overs captain MS Dhoni.
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Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) president N Srinivasan is behind this newly formed league and his company India Cements is its principal sponsor. It can be said that the TNPL T20 will cater to Chennai Super Kings fans, which is currently suspended for two years from participating in the Indian premier League (IPL).
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TNPL like any other league will help budding cricketers and who knows these players find their way in the upcoming IPL. Joining the novice cricketers will be seasoned campaigners like Ravichandran Ashwin, Murali Vijay, L Balaji and Dinesh Karthik.
Teams
The inaugural edition of TNPL will feature eight franchises namely; Tuti Patriots, Chepauk Super Gillies, Lyca Kovai Kings, Madurai Super Giants, Ruby Kanchi Warriors, Dindigul Dragons, VB Thiruvallur Veerans and Karaikudi Kaalai.
Format
Each team will play seven matches. In league stage a team will face other teams once and top four teams will qualify for semi-finals. Winners of semis will take on each other in the finals.
Run-time
The league kick started on August 24 with Tuti Patriots defeating Chepauk Super Gillies in the opening clash. The league matches will last till September 14. The semi-finals will be played on September 16 and 17. The finals will take place on September 18 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Venues
MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, NPR College Ground in Dindigul and Indian Cement Company Ground in Tirunelveli are the three venues for TNPL T20.
Broadcast
The best thing about this league is fans from across India can watch matches live on TV. Star Sports is the official broadcaster. Star Sports 1 and its HD channel will telecast the matches.
Mascot and Chairman
Former Australian cricketer Mathew Hayden is TNPL’s brand ambassador. Hayden was part of Chennai Super Kings during his playing days. PS Raman, BCCI legal cell’s head, is the chairman of the league.
Captains
Dinesh Karthik will lead Tuti Patriots, Chepauk Super Gillies will be led by Rajagopal Sathish, India’s Test opener Murali Vijay will captain Lyca Kovai Kings, Arun Karthik takes charge of Madurai Super Giants, Baba Indrajith will captain Ruby Kanchi Warriors, Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin will lead Dindigul Dragons, Baba Aparjith will lead VB Thiruvallur Veerans and Karaikudi Kaalai will be led by S Badrinath. (Main Image: Twitter.com/TNPremierLeague).