Dubai: AV PRO Pathanamthitta Starz emerged as the champions in the men’s division of the Lenovo Pro Kerala League (PKL) presented by Milano while Danube Arakkal Sultanaz lifted the title in the women’s division.
The tournament, which was a huge success given the sizable turnout for the matches, was contested among teams from Kerala’s 14 districts. Over 10,000 people watched the four-day tournament held at the United Pro Sports.
The final was a low-scoring contest, with Micro Excel Thrissur Thunders managing only 9 runs. In reply, Pathanamthitta Starz began their last over needing 11 runs but managed to hold firm and emerged victorious. Rishlin Moidu won the award for the best batsman, while Amit Nambiar emerged the best bowler. Mohammad Shiras bagged the Best Player of the Tournament award.
Speaking to Gulf News, PKL founder and CEO, Manish, said: “The huge turnout for all the matches has given us the impetus to stage this tournament regularly. Frankly I did not expect such huge response and the enthusiasm of the owners, sponsor and fans will take this event go a long way.”
Lenovo’s General Manager Mohammad Hilili said that he was proud to be associated with the PKL. Anis Sajan, the mentor of Indian team at the recent Indoor Cricket World Cup, who sponsored the event, said: “I have attended and been part of several indoor cricket events, including the recent Indoor Cricket World Cup, but the PKL is the biggest — from the grandstand seating to other family entertainment, this was the biggest event.”
The league also backed women’s participation with four teams participating backed up by sponsors like Joy Alukkas, MMME and Milano.
Talking about the women’s participation, Sonia Joyalukkas said: “It is a powerful message of empowerment having the first women’s organisation to own a team in the male-dominated world of cricket. The women’s edition is encouraging and I hope the sport grows among them in years to come.”
