Battle before the battle

Dec 12, 2014 | Press Release | Bhatkallys News Dubai: Some of Bhatkal's best known cricket players will be up for grabs as eight teams will fight it out at the Aura Bhatkal Premier League's (BPL) annual player auction on Friday. Players, owners and fans have been looking forward to the most anticipated annual event of BPL, which draws as much excitement as the actual tournament itself, if not more. Now, in its fourth edition, this year's auction is expected to one of the most high profile, with more than150 players registered, including the likes of Ubada Barmawer and Syed Hussain SM. Both the matchwinners are expected to be among the most sought after at this auction. In an interesting move to make the event more exciting, BPL GC has added another element to the process auction. In a first, all eight teams will have to tender a closed bid for one registered player of their choice for a minimum of 40 points. The total number of points allotted to each team has also been increased this year from 250 to 300.In another first, seven of the eight team owners have also registered as player, who lead their respective teams. Each team is eligible to have 16 players including the Icon player. The auction will be held at the party hall of Twin Towers, Deira. Team representatives will have to report to the event by 1:45 pm, with the bidding process starting at 2 pm. Tables will be allotted to each team through a draw, with each team represented by an owner, icon player, manager and adviser. The BPL 4 will kick off from January 31, 2015 and will be played over five Fridays, with four matches to be played on each Friday. - ARF