In continuation of three-year contract for sponsorship of domestic cricket with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Faysal Bank will now be collaborating with PCB to organise the first T20 Cricket Tournament of the third season. The three-year partnership between PCB and Faysal Bank is setting a precedent which is going to go a long way in uplifting the standard of domestic cricket in the country.
The tournament is scheduled to start from December 1, in Lahore. There will be a total of 45 matches and the matches will take place at three different venues ie LCCA Ground, Bagh-e-Jinnah and Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This time the matches will be telecast live on PTV Sports. A total of 14 teams will be participating in the event. The tournament will be held from December 1 to 9. The first and second semi- final will be held on December 8, followed by the final on December 9. The opening match will be played between Karachi Dolphins and Peshawar Panthers. The matches will be played every day starting from 9:30am to 2:30pm respectively.
The participating teams have been placed in Group A and B. Following is the formation of Groups: Group A: Lahore Lions, Karachi Zebras, Sialkot Stallions, Islamabad Leopards, Abbottabad Falcons, Multan Tigers and Quetta Bears. Group B: Karachi Dolphins, Lahore Eagles, Rawalpindi Rama, Faisalabad Wolves, Pesahwar Panthers, Hyderabad Hawks and Bahawalpur Stags.
The opening match will be played between Karachi Dolphins and Peshawar Panthers. The winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs two million with runners up getting Rs one million. Aarij Ali, Head Retail, Faysal Bank reiterating the banks commitment to cricket said: "Our Corporate Brand Promise 'Bank on Ambition' ties in perfectly with the sponsorship of the domestic cricket platform. We aim to be here for the long haul. We want each and every Pakistani to identify the ambition within himself. Faysal Bank believes in the power of positive self worth and belief. The talent we get to see on ground through this tournament goes on to represent us to the world - so the success of this tournament translates into the success of Pakistan on the international platform."
Commenting on the event Subhan Ahmad, COO, PCB said: "PCB's resolve is to further strengthen the domestic game in line with our vision of providing cricketing opportunities at all levels and in achieving this objective Faysal Bank has been our valued partner. PCB values this partnership that goes a long way in improving the standard of domestic cricket in the country. As an important and quality addition to the domestic calendar for which the Faysal Bank's corporate support was of critical importance in ensuring high standards. PCB is committed to continuously improve the standard and competitiveness of domestic cricket. This tournament will be an opportunity for the people of Lahore once again to come and watch the national stars playing in their own city."-PR