PANAJI: Panjim Gymkhana Members League (PGML) promises an unique cricketting carnival with a fun brand of T20 cricket on offer in the first edition of the event to be held from 8th January 2022. The auction for the inaugural PGML, where 109 players comprising youngsters and veterans went under the hammer, was held in a scintillating atmosphere at the PG here on Saturday.
PGML Season 1 will see five teams in action. Baale Tigers, Dempo Challengers, Manas Mavericks, LPK 11 and Prescon Panthers, dished out a befitting response at the auction as they came out well-prepared to snare their men for the mission.
Promising junior state player, 17-year-old Aryan Mashelkar was picked by Team Dempo Challengers. Experienced cricketer Mukhtar Kadri bagged the highest bid and it was Dempo Challengers again, who picked the all-rounder. Devidas Kholkar came second in terms of the bid offer and went to LPK 11. Dattesh Priolkar came a close third, for Manas Mavericks. Goa under-19 all-rounder Manish Pai Kakode, 18, had the fourth-highest bid and was bought by LPK 11 after beating Dempo Challengers following a bidding war.
The team jerseys were also unveiled on the occasion with respective team owners being present in the form of Ashwin Chandiok (Baale Tigers), Tanmay Kholkar (Manas Mavericks), Nandan Kudchadkar (LPK 11), Vinay Kedia (Prescon Panthers) and Shrinivas V. Dempo (Dempo Challengers). Managing Director of Kineco, Shekhar Sardessai also graced the occasion with the renowned Goan company being the PGML sponsors. Joseph Rodrigues conducted the auction in an impressive manner, with PG council members being present.
“This is one of the first attempts to form a T20 league exclusively. The auction which was the first of its kind to be conducted in the state witnessed the five teams battle it out to select from among the best players up for auction. The stage is now set for the league which will kick off in Jan 2022 and bring together cricket fans and supporters to come and witness the teams in action at the prestigious Panjim Gymkhana cricket ground,” stated honorary secretary of the Panjim Gymkhana, Rajesh Khaunte.
Dempo Challengers team owner, Shrinivas Dempo asserted: “We are very excited to be part of this league. The auction was meticulously and well organised. There is a lot of interest and passion in the tournament which was visible at the auction. The player selection in teams is a combination of technique, experience and stamina along with aggression which is good for the game. We are sure people will come forward to support players and the league. ”
Iftikar Agha of Prescon Panthers said:”This Panjim Gymkhana league is Goa’s version of the IPL. Its a fantastic concept and is slated to take off well in its very first year. ”
Speaking about the cricket ground, Ashwin Chandiok, Team Owner of Baale Tigers, opined: “This is among one of the best cricket grounds in the country especially since it is located along the river and has a rich legacy. The players are looking forward to playing here”.
Nandan Kudchadkar, Team Owner of LPK 11, stated: “The league celebrates the spirit of the game of cricket above all else. This beautiful ground will bring people together through this cricket league”.
Tanmay Kholkar, Team Owner of Manas Mavericks, says: “The teams will play a competitive game on the pitch. All the teams have spent a considerable time to plan out the strategy in team selection for the auction and subsequent training sessions.”
