KSCA Maharja Trophy T20 to begin on June 20

The Karnataka State Cricket Association on Friday announced that a revamped Maharaja Trophy will begin on June 20 in Mysuru, placing emphasis on transparency and professionalism.

The KSCA also decided to advance the start of the latest iteration of the tournament, which ends on July 12, to June from the usual window of August.

It will be conducted in three phases. The tournament will begin in the SNRW Stadium in Mysuru before travelling to Hubballi and the matches will be held at the Rajnagar Stadium, venue of the Ranji Trophy final earlier this year.

The Maharaja Trophy will then return to Mysuru for the final leg.

''The legends from our state have been actively involved, and we believe the tournament is about showcasing our talent.

''Karnataka has a lot of talent and potential, which has not been tapped well, and through the tournament, we hope to do it,'' said KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad during a press conference here.

The tournament will have six franchises- Mysuru, Bengaluru, Gulbarga/Raichur, Hubbali Shivamogga and Mangaluru.

The first four teams will have their existing owners, but Shivamogga and Mangaluru will be handed over to new owners for the season.

The women's Maharani Trophy, which is planned to be held in Bengaluru concurrently with the men's event, will continue to have four teams.

Reigning champions Hubli Tigers and runners-up Mysore Warriors will compete this time as well, but the other two teams will be picked through a draw of lots.

''So, probably three years down the line we will have an exclusive window for the Maharani Cup and probably six teams.

''This time also we deliberated a lot on the Maharani Cup but we didn't want to compromise on the quality of cricket so we have limited it to four teams,'' said KSCA secretary Santosh Menon.

Menon also said the state selectors will monitor the players in the auction to ensure quality and skills are not compromised.

''The pool of players will be selected by the KSCA selection committee. Only those players will be a part of the auction pool.

''Even the two catchment players per team have to undergo the scrutiny of the selection committee before being added to the squad,'' he said.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)