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Bahawalpur Royals crowned champions of the inaugural edition of PJL 2022

If this tournament goes for 2 seasons, we will see quite a few players emerge. I hope they are hot on undocumented 17yr old that are actually 23. If we find 3 or 4 genuine 19yr olds who can bat, it will be worth the investment

Most of the batters I have mentioned such as Shamyl Hussain and Azan are proper batters
 
Whenever there is selection is PSL or Pakistan squad there are always debates regarding deserving players being discarded. The same is happening at youth level and PJL. The top performers at domestic under 19 level have been hard done by. I would like to add a few names:

Name: Ramiz Ijaz
Age: 18
Team: Sanghar Under 19
Bowling style: wrist spinner

This kid has been praised for his variations and Bowling by Ramiz Raja, Sandeep lamichane and muhammad zahid the ex Bowling coach at NCA. Saj has also tweeted his videos on my request. A few days before the PJL draft ramiz ijaz was called to NCA for trials as he applied via sending videos to PJL. He impressed all the coaches and was nailed on to make the PJL but was overlooked again.

[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] can you tweet his video and situation please ��

Name: Abdul Basit
Age: 18 years
Team: Northern Under 19
Matches: 4(Three days)
Wickets: 20
Economy: 3.04
Matches: 5 (One Day)
Wickets: 7
Economy: 5.5
2nd Highest wicket taker of National Under 19 isn't included in Pakistan Junior League. Isn't strange? Whats your opinion?

Just two names ?
 
The Pakistan Cricket Board today unveiled the schedule of the inaugural Pakistan Junior League edition that will be staged at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Gujranwala Giants and Mardan Warriors will create history when they compete in the opening match of the tournament – the first of its kind – on Thursday, 6 October under the GSL lights.

Bahawalpur Royals will play Hyderabad Hunters in their tournament opener on 7 October, this match will also be staged under the lights.

A total of 19 matches will be played in the 15-day tournament which includes 15 round matches followed by four playoffs including the 21 October final (Friday). Each of the six sides will play five matches in the single-league format (one against each of the five teams).

In order to provide the local cricket fans an extended opportunity of seeing the next generation of cricket stars play under the guidance of team mentors Javed Miandad (league mentor), Sir Vivian Richards (Gwadar Sharks), Shahid Afridi (Mardan Warriors), Shoaib Malik (Gujranwala Giants), Imran Tahir (Bahawalpur Royals), Daren Sammy (Hyderabad Hunters) and Colin Munro (Rawalpindi Royals), a total of four double-headers will be staged in the inaugural edition – all on weekends.

The first double-header day (Saturday, 8 October) will see Rawalpindi Raiders and Gwadar Sharks play their opening match of the tournament. Gujranwala Giants will play Bahawalpur Royals in the second match of the day.
Other than the day-night fixtures,15 matches will be staged under lights. The day-night matches start at 3:30pm while the night matches (single-headers) start at 8pm. The tournament final will also start at 8pm.

The local players in the meantime continue to prepare for the PJL at the ongoing Engro Cricket Coaching Project under the PCB Pathway Programme at the National High Performance Centre, Lahore.

The foreign players will join their respective sides at the beginning of the tournament support period – 28 September. The foreign mentors will join their teams in the first week of October. All six sides will start practice with their squads and coaching staff during the event support period.

Pakistan Junior League 2022 schedule: (Matches to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium)

6 October – Gujranwala Giants vs Mardan Warriors
7 October – Bahawalpur Royals vs Hyderabad Hunters
8 October – Rawalpindi Raiders vs Gwadar Sharks; Gujranwala Giants vs Bahawalpur Royals
9 October – Hyderabad Hunters vs Gwadar Sharks; Rawalpindi Raiders vs Mardan Warriors
10 October – Bahawalpur Royals vs Mardan Warriors
11 October – Hyderabad Hunters vs Rawalpindi Raiders
12 October – Gujranwala Giants vs Gwadar Sharks
13 October – Mardan Warriors vs Hyderabad Hunters
14 October - Rawalpindi Raiders vs Gujranwala Giants; Bahawalpur Royals vs Gwadar Sharks
15 October – Hyderabad Hunters vs Gujranwala Giants; Bahawalpur Royals vs Rawalpindi Raiders
16 October – Mardan Warriors vs Gwadar Sharks
18 October – Qualifier 1 (1 vs 2)
19 October – Eliminator (3 vs 4)
20 October – Qualifier 2 (Loser Qualifier 1 vs Winner Eliminator)
21 October – Final (Qualifier 1 Winner vs Qualifier 2 Winner)
Match timings:

Double-headers – 3:30pm & 8pm
All single-headers – 8pm

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Afghanistan leg-spinner Ibrahim Masood will replace Lahiru Dawatage in the Hyderabad Hunters, Pakistan Junior League squad.

Dawatage who was picked by the Hunters in the Premier Category during the PJL player draft is unavailable for the inaugural edition of the tournament that begins at the Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore on Thursday 6 October.

Bahawalpur Royals’ spinner Rehan Ahmed has withdrawn from the tournament due to his potential commitments with England Lions. The Royals have replaced Rehan with South Africa seamer Johan Mahne who plays for North West. Mahne has been inducted in the X-Factor Category.

Left-hand batter Shamyl Hussain will captain Gwadar Sharks instead of Mohammad Ismail, Ismail will be Shamyl’s deputy.
 
Eight players from the UK have arrived in Lahore for Pakistan Junior League.

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A total of 12 foreign players including eight from the United Kingdom, three from Afghanistan and one from Sri Lanka have arrived in Lahore to take part in the first edition of the Pakistan Junior League which begins at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Thursday 6 October.

The remaining 12 foreign players are expected to reach in the next two to three days. The local players will also arrive from their respective homes to Lahore over the weekend.

The players that reached Lahore last night and this morning include Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar (Rawalpindi Raiders), Archie Lenham (Mardan Warriors), James Ross Wood (Hyderabad Hunters), Joseph Eckland (Gwadar Sharks), Ibrahim Masood (Hyderabad Hunters), Gabriel Gallman-Findlay (Bahawalpur Royals), George Thomas (Mardan Warriors), Luc Martin Benkenstein (Gwadar Sharks), Shevon Daniel (Gujranwala Giants), Thomas Aspinwall (Gujranwala Giants), Nangeyalia Kharotai (Bahawalpur Royals) and Olly Cox (Mardan Warriors).

The players expressed their excitement at playing the PJL in the presence of some of the greats of the game who would be working as mentors during the tournament.

The mentor roster includes legends of the game Javed Miandad (league mentor), Imran Tahir (Bahawalpur Royals), Shoaib Malik (Gujranwala Giants), Sir Vivian Richards (Gwadar Sharks), Daren Sammy (Hyderabad Hunters), Shahid Afridi (Mardan Warriors) and Colin Munro (Rawalpindi Raiders).

Nangeyalia Kharotai – Bahawalpur Royals: “This is a great opportunity for us at this new and exciting platform for young players from around the world. I aim to help my team win the tournament and work closely with my mentor Imran Tahir who is a legend of the game and has a great experience of leagues and T20 format around the world.”

Thomas Aspinwall – Gujranwala Giants: “The Pakistan Junior League is a great initiative and I am thrilled to be a part of this tournament. At Gujranwala Giants we have Shoaib Malik as our mentor who is a T20 legend. I look forward to talking to him and taking his guidance which will help me in my future cricket. There are also some wonderful mentors with the rest of the teams and I look forward to chatting with them.”

Joseph Eckland – Gwadar Sharks: “This is an exciting time for all of us and I am really looking forward to playing the Pakistan Junior League for the Gwadar Sharks. We have an all-time legend of the game Sir Vivian Richards as our mentor his presence will be a huge motivation for me and my team. There are some incredible mentors in other sides and it will be great to interact with them.”

James Ross Wood – Hyderabad Hunters: “The Pakistan Junior League is a very exciting platform and I can’t wait for the tournament to begin. I am delighted to be here in Lahore and look forward to joining my team. Our mentor is Daren Sammy who has won T20 World Cups, he is one of the greats of this format and I am keen on spending time with him and learning all about this format of the game.”

Archie Lenham – Mardan Warriors: “I am delighted to be here in Lahore for the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Junior League. There is so much to gain for all our youngsters and I am looking forward to picking the brains of Shahid Afridi who is our team mentor. Imran Tahir is another mentor I would be interested to talk to as he is also a wonderful leg-spinner and I want to develop that skill of mine.”

Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar – Rawalpindi Raiders: “I am excited about playing the Pakistan Junior League for the Rawalpindi Raiders. I aim to give winning performances for my side while working closely with our mentor Colin Munro, I am looking forward to joining the team and making my presence felt in the tournament.”

The teams will practice for four days leading up to the tournament opener between Gujranwala Giants and Mardan Warriors which will be played from 2000 next Thursday.

The 19-match tournament will be played on a single league basis with the six teams competing against each other once. The top four sides will compete in the playoffs, the final will be played on Friday, 21 October.
 
Afghanistan leg-spinner Ibrahim Masood will replace Lahiru Dawatage in the Hyderabad Hunters, Pakistan Junior League squad.

Dawatage who was picked by the Hunters in the Premier Category during the PJL player draft is unavailable for the inaugural edition of the tournament that begins at the Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore on Thursday 6 October.

Bahawalpur Royals’ spinner Rehan Ahmed has withdrawn from the tournament due to his potential commitments with England Lions. The Royals have replaced Rehan with South Africa seamer Johan Mahne who plays for North West. Mahne has been inducted in the X-Factor Category.

Left-hand batter Shamyl Hussain will captain Gwadar Sharks instead of Mohammad Ismail, Ismail will be Shamyl’s deputy.

I’m gutted that Rehan is missing out. He’s a serious prospect, did well at the U19 WC and also played in the Hundred. Would really have upped the quality of the tournament by featuring.
 
Captains share excitement for inaugural Pakistan Junior League edition

Lahore, 30 September 2022:

The inaugural edition of the Pakistan Junior League begins in less than a week’s time (Thursday 6 October) at the headquarters of Pakistan cricket Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The teams will be beginning their preparations for the tournament this weekend.

Before the conclusion of the PCB Pathway Programme earlier this week – almost all local PJL players were involved in the programme, the captains spoke about their excitement of playing the PJL, captaining their side and the life time opportunity of working with some of the greats of the game who are involved as mentors in the league.

The mentor roster includes legends of the game Javed Miandad (league mentor), Imran Tahir (Bahawalpur Royals), Shoaib Malik (Gujranwala Giants), Sir Vivian Richards (Gwadar Sharks), Daren Sammy (Hyderabad Hunters), Shahid Afridi (Mardan Warriors) and Colin Munro (Rawalpindi Raiders).

Captain Bahawalpur Royals Obaid Shahid: “Being picked and then named captain of Bahawalpur Royals is nothing less than a dream coming true. I am determined to make an impression in the tournament and lead my side with grit, determination and passion. This league is an incredible opportunity for all of us and we are all excited to participate.

“Our team mentor is Imran Tahir who despite his age remains one of the fittest players around. Having Imran in the dressing room means a lot to us, we would surely benefit from his presence and his immense experience as a T2o player. He will also inspire us to raise our fitness standard.”

Captain Gujranwala Giants Uzair Mumtaz: “I was overjoyed at my selection for the PJL and the honour of captaining Gujranwala Giants. My parents and family is really happy for me and are praying for my success.

“Our mentor Shoaib Malik is a legend of the game and his presence will mean a lot to us. We all hope to learn a great deal from him and aspire to make the most of his experience and pedigree. Having Shoaib in the dugout would help us immensely considering his rich T20 experience.”

Captain Gwadar Sharks Shamyl Hussain: “It was a big honour to get chosen for the Sharks and then being named the captain was the icing on the cake. I am really excited to deliver for my team as a player and captain.

“Having a mentor like Sir Vivian Richards is absolutely incredible, his presence alone will make a big impact in our dugout and we will learn a great deal from his experience and stature in the game.”


Captain Hyderabad Hunters Saad Baig: “I am thrilled to captain the Hyderabad Hunters in the Pakistan Junior League. I have made steady progress at the age-group level and this opportunity will help me improve my game further while competing with some of the best U19 talent from around the world.

“Our team mentor Daren Sammy is a T20 World Cup winner and has legendary status in the T20 format, we are all looking forward to learning from his vast experience.”

Captain Mardan Warriors Abbas Ali: “My family was overjoyed with my selection in the Mardan Warriors team. Captaining the side in the Pakistan Junior League is a fantastic opportunity for me and I want to give my absolute best in the tournament.

“Shahid Afridi’s presence as Mardan’s team mentor will be hugely beneficial for us considering his rich experience in the T20 format. Shahid will hopefully inspire us to great success in the tournament.”

Captain Rawalpindi Raiders Habibullah: “I am delighted to captain the Rawalpindi Raiders in the Pakistan Junior League. My squad has some exciting talent and I am looking forward to leading them to success in the tournament.

“Our team mentor Colin Munro has played T20 cricket around the world and made a big name, as a batter, I am really keen on learning the art of T20 batting from him.”

The teams will practice for four days leading up to the tournament opener between Gujranwala Giants and Mardan Warriors which will be played from 8pm next Thursday.

The 19-match tournament will be played on a single league basis with the six teams competing against each other once. The top four sides will compete in the playoffs, the final will be played on Friday, 21 October.
 
PJL players meet Pakistan and England players

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U19 cricket is set to get a major boost as the first-ever Pakistan Junior League commences at the headquarters of Pakistan Cricket, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday evening (tomorrow). The one of its kind league will showcase not only Pakistan’s but some of the world’s best U19 talent in the 16-day long competition that includes six teams.

Bahawalpur Royals, Gujranwala Giants, Gwadar Sharks, Hyderabad Hunters, Mardan Warriors and Rawalpindi Raiders will compete for the winners’ purse of PKR 10million and the impressive tournament trophy.

The runners-up will be given PKR5million. The tournament will feature a total of 19 matches including the 21 October final with each of the six sides taking on each other once in the single-league round-robin format.

Before the opening match, an action-packed curtain raiser will be staged at the Gaddafi Stadium from 6:15pm with dazzling fireworks and performances from popular youth band Young Stunners and renowned singer Asim Azhar, the star acts of the evening.

The toss will take place at 7:00pm with the first ball to be bowled at 7:30pm. The Giants will take on the Warriors in the tournament opener.

Broadcast details and commentators’ panel:

The tournament will be broadcast live on PTV Sports and live streamed on Geo Super’s App and Geo Super’s YouTube and Facebook pages in Pakistan. Live streaming will be available on the PCB YouTube/Facebook and PJL YouTube/Facebook channels for the rest of the world.

The tournament broadcast will be done through a 22 camera full HD production including enhancements such as Buggy cam and drone camera.

The commentary panel for the inaugural edition includes prominent commentators Daren Ganga, Dominic Cork and Mike Haysman. Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir, former Zimbabwe player Tino Mawoyo and seasoned broadcaster Sikander Bakht will also be a part of the panel. Roha Nadeem will be the presenter.


Tournament Director Nadeem Khan:

“We have put a big effort in putting together this event which is meant to prepare our U19 players for senior cricket by providing them a world-class competition. The most encouraging thing for us is the response of cricket boards across the globe who have sent 24 quality players to represent the six sides.

“These players will have the greats of the game Javed Miandad, Sir Vivian Richards, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Daren Sammy, Imran Tahir and Colin Munro mentor them which is nothing less than a lifetime learning opportunity for these players.

“The local players have come through the age-group system, these players will represent our domestic, franchise and national sides in the years ahead and I am sure the Pakistan Junior League will prove to be a major milestone in their careers.”
 
Vanity project destined to fail. Ramiz sold the idea that corporations are lining up to sponsor this but PCB is footing the bill. Instead of using money to employ proper support staff, we are doing instagram leagues.
 
Pakistan home games are on SkySports how come this isn't on SkySports.

The PCB may have to prove the PJL and its viability before they can convince international broadcasters to air it.
 
Call me old fashioned, but I'd rather the money that PCB has spent on this be spent on Shaheens and Under-19 tours to the likes of NZ, Australia, South Africa and England.
 
I don't mind the tournament. If we discover a couple of decent bats that we can develop, the investment will be worth it.
 
Call me old fashioned, but I'd rather the money that PCB has spent on this be spent on Shaheens and Under-19 tours to the likes of NZ, Australia, South Africa and England.

The PCB is hoping to make the PJL a commercial and cricketing success where the Board will be able to achieve a good financial return. If this is achieved, the board will have excess funds for Shaheen and U-19 tours to SENA countries.
 
Apparently the PCB has allocated PKR 15 billion i.e. $66 million dollars for the PJL
 
I'll be excited to see this and hopefully there will be an outstanding talent or two discovered from this. I don't think these kids play T20's either in the domestic circuit so it will be interesting to see where their power game is at right now.
 
The PCB may have to prove the PJL and its viability before they can convince international broadcasters to air it.

True but the SkySports show Pakistan matches that's why I thought its part of thier agreement.
 
Apparently the PCB has allocated PKR 15 billion i.e. $66 million dollars for the PJL

IIRC espn posted that but it doesn't seem correct. The players fees for the tournament isn't even that much and it's a pretty short tournament.

Maybe the domestic budget for the year might make more sense with that amount.
 
PCB are spending massive amount of money on this stupid tournament. I was partly on board when they had it as franchise based but since now PCB is covering all the cost it seems stupid.

Instead of this PCB should've just spent this money on arranging A team tours or just arrange Pak vs Shaheen's series two or three 4-day matches & 3T20's.
 
PCB are spending massive amount of money on this stupid tournament. I was partly on board when they had it as franchise based but since now PCB is covering all the cost it seems stupid.

Instead of this PCB should've just spent this money on arranging A team tours or just arrange Pak vs Shaheen's series two or three 4-day matches & 3T20's.
People keep saying PCB is spending $66 on this tournament.This is not correct.PCB’s entire budget is $66m.This tournament will not cost much.
 
Apparently the PCB has allocated PKR 15 billion i.e. $66 million dollars for the PJL

That is incorrect. $66M is the entire budget for PCB for the fiscal year.

PCB has not disclosed the cost of PJL Season 1. We just know the cost comes out of the $66M budget
 
Aimal with a really good 1st over. Got the bowl to swing and saw one delivery that clicked at 136 with a pretty short run up.

Lots of swing early on in this match which is surprising to see on this Lahore track.
 
Batsmen look like hacks. Been some movement on offer for bowlers.
 
People keep saying PCB is spending $66 on this tournament.This is not correct.PCB’s entire budget is $66m.This tournament will not cost much.

I know PCB aren't spending 66M on this PJL but whatever they're spending is pointless. What are they expecting even if they miraculously unearth some talent he will be bang average in international arena. I was on board with this tournament till it was a franchise based league but now this seems absurd.
 
Waste of money

I hope Ramiz Raja is sacked before PCB is bankrupt
 
Waste of money

I hope Ramiz Raja is sacked before PCB is bankrupt
PCB is not going to going bankrupt because of PJL.The amount of money being spent on this tournament is very small.It can easily be recovered from sponsorship.PJL will provide opportunities for young players to show their talent.People were sceptical of T20 too.Many thought it will never take off but it has taken off.ODI’s will not survive.T20 is not real cricket but the people love it.The stadiums are full in Vitality blast and the hundred games in England.
 
Tayyab Hussain looks another Imad type darter. When will we produce young spinners who can actually turn the ball ?
 
I know PCB aren't spending 66M on this PJL but whatever they're spending is pointless. What are they expecting even if they miraculously unearth some talent he will be bang average in international arena. I was on board with this tournament till it was a franchise based league but now this seems absurd.

The PCB is hoping Commercial Sponsors will take over the league from the next season onwards and Franchises will come forward from the second season onwards. They had to take ownership in the first season to prove the product.
 
Not a good start for the league with the empty stadiums. Home and Away concept is the only sure shot way to ensure the grounds are filled up.
 
Batsmen look like hacks. Been some movement on offer for bowlers.

I think Mumtaz has looked decent. Looks better suited for the longer format but I think a lot of batsmen at this point will look like that since domestic circuit is generally Test & ODI based matches.

His partner in Waqas meanwhile looks quite poor.
 
Honestly this is a decent idea and I will support anything that provides youngsters development opportunities and opportunity to earn so cricket can be looked as a proper career choice.

I think the timing and location could have been better. There is likely some cricket fatigue with the 7 T20 that just finished at the same venue that too on a disappointing note. The national team will be playing a tri series during this period as well so that will take away a lot of the focus. Also, I believe all matches are in Lahore and they could have maybe looked at other cities.
 
Wow Aimal looks very impressive. Bowled out Mumtaz with a swinging yorker at 139 clicks.
 
Captain Uzair Mumtaz brings up his 50

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Amazing yorker

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idk what all the fuss is about...

this is a solid idea, ofcourse no sponsors will jump on from get go, and there wont be sold out stadiums, main thing is the grassroots will get a good eye and be taken care of and nurtured well and early while it is possible. This will prove to be a good feeder for domestic/psl and eventually main team.

also, its an earning opportunity for young lads whatever little it may be.
 
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Honestly this is a decent idea and I will support anything that provides youngsters development opportunities and opportunity to earn so cricket can be looked as a proper career choice.

I think the timing and location could have been better. There is likely some cricket fatigue with the 7 T20 that just finished at the same venue that too on a disappointing note. The national team will be playing a tri series during this period as well so that will take away a lot of the focus. Also, I believe all matches are in Lahore and they could have maybe looked at other cities.

Regarding timing PCB hands were tied, this was the only time slot they could do it because most of the foreign players were only available in this time slot where there were no school exams.
 
This is actually a genius idea imo, but perhaps will find more commercial success when other countries with more money, more glam bring out their versions which I think will happen.

As it is, it's an exciting tournament. Scouts paradise. Great thing they have the speed guns too.
 
Abidullah is a good prospect too. Bowled few deliveries mid 130s and from what I saw, can swing it both ways.
 
This is actually a genius idea imo, but perhaps will find more commercial success when other countries with more money, more glam bring out their versions which I think will happen.

As it is, it's an exciting tournament. Scouts paradise. Great thing they have the speed guns too.

A lot of big sports leagues around the world have tournaments like these where the young players are hyped with packed arenas. A bit disappointing that culture isn't really prevalent in Cricket where nobody knows the young kids coming through the ranks while NHL/NBA the prospects are hyped sometimes as soon as 15/16.

Might also help Pakistan field stronger & more prepared U-19 teams for the WC too.
 
Shahzeb with a nice looking lofted drive. A shot missing from our T20 batsmen. He looks decent.

IIRC Asfand played in the KPL. Shades of Zulfiqar with that action.
 
The built difference between Pakistani players and this Thomas guy is staggering. Pakistani players look at least 15 kg lighter.

For a nation that hogs meat, I'm surprised why that is so.
 
I guess all the English players nowadays are a different breed. Thomas smashing these bowlers.
 
Just look at the difference in class between Thomas and the Pakistani batsmen. It's unreal.
 
These English players are absurd man. Thomas looks like he'll be smashing Pakistan soon enough.
 
Match Summary

Gujranwala Giants: 131-7 (20 ov)

Mardan Warriors: 132-2 (16.5 ov)

Result: Mardan Warriors win by 8 wickets
 
The built difference between Pakistani players and this Thomas guy is staggering. Pakistani players look at least 15 kg lighter.

For a nation that hogs meat, I'm surprised why that is so.
Diet is important but genetics also play a party.The Dutch have become very tall due to consumption of meat and diary products eg milk and cheese.
 
Watch out for Aimal
He was bowling close to 140
One of his wickets was a 139Kmh Yorker
 
I think Mumtaz has looked decent. Looks better suited for the longer format but I think a lot of batsmen at this point will look like that since domestic circuit is generally Test & ODI based matches.

His partner in Waqas meanwhile looks quite poor.

It was interesting to see that most of the batters preferred the longer format than the shorter format on thier bio.
 
Watched a little bit and liked what I saw. The young bowlers looked decent and I am hoping for a batsman or 2 to show some talent.
 
Regarding timing PCB hands were tied, this was the only time slot they could do it because most of the foreign players were only available in this time slot where there were no school exams.

Maybe they could have waited till next year. My worry is that low turnout may scare away sponsors and potential franchise owners. Hopefully this gains some traction and there is better turnout in upcoming matches.
 
Honestly this is a decent idea and I will support anything that provides youngsters development opportunities and opportunity to earn so cricket can be looked as a proper career choice.

I think the timing and location could have been better. There is likely some cricket fatigue with the 7 T20 that just finished at the same venue that too on a disappointing note. The national team will be playing a tri series during this period as well so that will take away a lot of the focus. Also, I believe all matches are in Lahore and they could have maybe looked at other cities.

I agree. If it gives young players a chance to showcase their talents, it is good with me.
 
Maybe they could have waited till next year. My worry is that low turnout may scare away sponsors and potential franchise owners. Hopefully this gains some traction and there is better turnout in upcoming matches.

Make it free to watch. You need crowds to create visuals for the TV
 
This Abbas Ali seems to have connections. Made the u19 team when he’s wasn’t even in the top run scorers. Then became the vice captain for some reason. Now here made the captain. Even this year he’s flopped in u19 tournaments and I can bet he will be Pakistan u19 captain.
 
Aimal Khan excelled with the ball and George Thomas impressed with the bat as Mardan Warriors defeated Gujranwala Giants by eight wickets in the opening match of the inaugural Pakistan Junior League in front of PCB cameras at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Fast bowler Aimal returned figures of 4-0-15-3 to restrict Gujranwala Giants to 131 for seven, before Thomas, who represented England in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup New Zealand 2022, struck a 32-ball 50 as Mardan Warriors achieved the target for the loss of two wickets in 16.5 overs.

Thomas, a Somerset 2nd XI opener, and Shahzaib Khan had provided Mardan Warriors a flying 103-run first wicket start before both the batters departed in a space of six balls. Shahzaib was caught by Ariful Islam off Mohammad Shan, while Thomas was trapped in front of the wickets by Mohammad Ibtisam.

Shahzaib’s 45-ball 39 was laced with two sixes and five fours, while Thomas slapped five fours and three towering sixes.

Following the quick dismissals of both the openers, skipper Abbas Ali and Olly Cox ensured there were no further hiccups as they scored the remaining 27 runs without being separated. Abbas was 10 not out, while Cox was 19 not out.

It was a red-letter day for the Pakistan Cricket Board when it became the first country to launch a league for the U19 cricketers, which includes 24 overseas players. Prior to the opening match, an impressive ceremony was held in which all the six sides along with their mentors and coaches participated.

Put into bat, Gujranwala Giants slipped to 29 for three before the end of PowerPlay overs. However, their innings was held together by their captain Uzair Mumtaz who scored a 47-ball 54. His innings included seven fours.

Together with Mohammad Waqas (18), Uzair added 67 runs for the fourth wicket. Later in the order, Hasnain Majid contributed a 12-ball 17, while Thomas Aspinwall, who also played in the New Zealand World Cup for England, scored an eight-ball 10.

Aimal Khan caused the maximum damage and finished with three for 15. He dismissed Sri Lanka’s Shevon Daniel (2), Bangladesh’s Ariful Islam (2) and Uzair Mumtaz.

Abidullah and Mohammad Nabeel picked up two wickets apiece, conceding 24 and 29 runs, respectively.

Scores in brief:

Match 1 – Mardan Warriors beat Gujranwala Giants by eight wickets

Gujranwala Giants 131-7, 20 overs (Uzair Mumtaz 54, Mohammad Waqas 18, Hasnain Majid 17, Aimal Khan 3-15; Abidullah 2-24, Mohammad Nabeel 2-29)

Mardan Warriors 132-2, 16.5 overs (George Thomas 50, Shahzaib Khan 45)

Player of the match – George Thomas (Mardan Warriors)

Friday’s fixture: Bahawalpur Royals v Hyderabad Hunters (6pm)
 
Lack of quality eye catching batting talent in Pakistan is very scary. A national emergency needs to be declared in this regard along with an emergency for spinners. Something is seriously wrong with our coaching system where we just are not producing international quality batsmen who can play the game with modern stroke play and strike rates.
 
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