KARACHI, DECEMBER 15, 2024: The Karachi Tape-Ball Premier League (KTPL) Season 4 kicked off with great enthusiasm as Governor Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori, inaugurated the event at DHA Sports Club Moin Khan Academy. The league, known for promoting tape-ball cricket and uncovering local talent, has returned with even greater energy and aspirations.
“The KTPL provides a platform for fresh talent and gives opportunities to players who rarely get a chance to shine at such a level,” Governor Tessori stated during the opening ceremony. Expressing his support for the league, he highlighted the significance of cricket in Pakistan’s legacy, mentioning legends like Javed Miandad, Haroon Rasheed, and Sadiq Muhammad. “It’s an honor to have these legends backing KTPL,” he said.
A Celebration of Cricket in Karachi
Governor Tessori, who also serves as the league’s patron-in-chief, emphasized the league’s role in fostering unity and hope in Karachi. “However,this event reflects the spirit of collaboration and positivity. I am proud to own a team, Karachi Knights, as part of this wonderful initiative,” he added, encouraging everyone to work together for the city’s and the nation’s prosperity.
Legendary cricketer Javed Miandad also spoke at the event, praising the growing popularity of tape-ball cricket. He described it as an accessible format that mirrors the challenges of hardball cricket. “Tape-ball practice can benefit players in hardball cricket as well. I encourage professional cricketers to strategize and refine their skills through this format,” Miandad advised.
Expanding Horizons for Tape-Ball Cricket
Chairman KTPL, Zohair Naseer, announced exciting plans for the league’s future. “We started KTPL to bring street cricketers to stadiums, and it has succeeded in achieving this goal. The league, which began at the Karachi level, will expand to include teams from across the nation in the next edition,” he revealed. He also shared the vision of taking the league to the international stage in the coming years.
However, Former cricketer Haroon Rasheed highlighted the role of sports in promoting unity and providing young talent with much-needed opportunities. He commended the KTPL’s efforts in creating a structured platform for tape-ball cricket.
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A Thrilling Start to the Season
The opening ceremony was a vibrant display of excitement, featuring defending champions Clifton Popular. Organized by the Pakistan Tape-Ball Foundation and Badar Expo Solutions, the event set the tone for an exhilarating season. The inaugural match delivered a gripping contest, fueling anticipation for the matches ahead.
This season boasts a lineup of eight dynamic teams: Clifton Popular, DHA Dabanggs, Johar Jawaans, Gulshan Gohar, Lyari Legends, Malir Malangs, North Nawabs, and Karachi Knights. The matches will run from December 14 to December 29 at Moin Khan Academy and will be broadcast live on GEO Sports.
With free entry for families and cricket fans, the KTPL promises to be a celebration of talent, energy, and the city’s love for cricket. Karachi is all set to witness another season of thrilling competition and camaraderie.
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