Lahore, In an unprecedented move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the launch of the first-ever Inter-College Ramadan T20 Cup, a tournament that aims to popularize cricket among college students and scout for future cricketing talent. The tournament, involving 30 colleges from Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, is set to kick off in Lahore on March 22 and in Islamabad and Karachi on March 23.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, this novel initiative seeks to harness the excitement of T20 cricket during the holy month of Ramadan to foster cricketing talent at the grassroots level. The PCB, in collaboration with regional cricket associations including Lahore Regional Cricket Association (LRCA), Karachi Regional Cricket Association (KRCA), and Islamabad Regional Cricket Association (IRCA), has formed an organising committee to oversee the tournament’s execution.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed enthusiasm for the inaugural event, emphasizing its role in promoting cricket development at the educational level and beyond. He remarked on the dual goal of encouraging students to excel academically while also pursuing sporting achievements. By bringing this tournament to three major cities, the PCB aims to offer a platform for young cricketers from varied backgrounds to display their skills and passion for the game.
Abdullah Khurram Niazi, Director – Domestic PCB, reiterated the chairman’s vision of expanding cricket’s reach to students who balance their studies with a passion for cricket. Niazi expressed confidence that the tournament would unearth exciting new talent and provide a valuable opportunity for young players to demonstrate their capabilities on the cricket field.
The tournament format will see 10 teams in each city, divided into two groups, with the top teams from each group advancing to the finals. A total of 21 matches will be played in each city, with teams comprising 14 players and three reserves, plus three officials. Players eligible for participation must be bona fide students born on or after September 1, 2000.
Cash prizes await the winning and runner-up teams in each city, with the champions receiving PKR 500,000 and the runners-up PKR 250,000. Additionally, PCB selectors will attend the matches to monitor player performances closely.
The Islamabad leg will feature groups competing at Misam Cricket Ground from March 23 to April 3, with matches scheduled for 8 pm and 11:30 pm. Lahore’s leg will take place at the LCCA Ground, starting at 8 pm for opening and final matches, with the Lahore final set for April 8. In Karachi, matches will be held at Eid GAH Ground Nazimabad and IBA Karachi University Ground, beginning on March 23, with the tournament final slated for April 4 at the EID GAH Ground.