Village Premier League launched

By PATRICIA KEAMO
CRICKET Papua New Guinea (CPNG) launched the Village Premier League yesterday with eight teams to compete at Port Moresby’s Amini Park from Nov 20-21.
CPNG general manager Tony Naidu told The National that the village league would be “the richest domestic tournament”, which would replicate the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“The teams will consist of a mixture of Under-19 players, Barramundis and former players competing against each other,” he said.
The local sides that have adopted IPL teams were Kilakila (Capitals), Raukele (Royal Challengers), Curries (Indians), Coasters (Royals), United (Super Kings), Pari (Knight Riders), Coasters Lion (Kings) and Popondetta (Sunrisers).
“The eight teams will be split into two pools and all sides will qualify for the quarterfinals (after the day-one matches),” Naidu said.
“From there, it’s knockout cricket.
“All players are free to play for whatever team they want, traditional ties to clubs doesn’t matter.
“Across all the teams, we’ve got every Barramundi player accounted for.
“We’ve got the former Barras looking forward to give the current squad a good game.”
Naidu said all squad lists should be submitted before close of business on Monday.
He said the squad announcements would be made during the week prior to the tournament.