KOCHI: Taking off from where the hugely popular T-20 Asia Cup for the visually challenged here had left off, Cricket Association for the Blind in Kerala(CABK) would host a maiden Kerala Premier League for visually challenged persons in the city in December on the occasion of World Disability Day.
The two-day tournament to be held at the Tripunithura Palace Oval on December 2-3 will have a total of four teams-- Trivandrum Thunders representing Thiruvananthapuram district and Kochi Scorpions, Calicut Hurricanes and Kannur Blissard appearing for Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur respectively-- vying for the title.
Interestingly, like the Indian Premier League(IPL) each team will consist of six players from other states, who have played at the national level.
“This is the first time that visually challenged cricketers will play under the lights. Around 56 players, who have shown their mettle with the bat and ball at the international level, will take part. The international players will be lead each of the teams,” said Rajaneesh Henry, CABK general secretary .
The IPL will also help the cricketers to get some crucial practice on the turf ahead of January’s World Cup. “ Presently, the Cricket Association itself is the sponsor for the four teams. But we are on the lookout for corporate sponsors. Besides, we are scouting for the title sponsors,” he added.