Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday advocated for the launch of the Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh Cricket League to groom world-class cricketers from the grassroots level in the state.
Interacting with the newly constituted Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), which called on him at his official residence today evening, the Chief Minister emphasized that the league should organize matches at the village, block, district, and state levels to identify and nurture cricketing talent. He stated that this ambitious tournament should be modeled on the lines of Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan, which is organized annually by the state government to provide platform to budding sportsmen to exhibit their talent. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that the league would alsohelp uncover the hidden potential of cricketers across Punjab, giving a strong impetus to the sport.
The Chief Minister noted that players from state like Harbhajan Singh (MP), Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, and others have already brought laurels to the nation with their outstanding performances in the field of cricket. He asserted that many more such talented players could emerge from Punjab if provided with a robust platform to showcase their abilities. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured full support and cooperation to the newly elected PCA team in this noble endeavor.
Meanwhile, congratulating the newly elected team, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that it would elevate cricket in Punjab to new heights. He announced that the state government will construct international cricket stadiums in Jalandhar and Amritsar, in addition to the existing one in Mullanpur. Bhagwant Singh Mann proudly highlighted that the captains of both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams hail from Punjab adding he reiterated his government’s commitment to making Punjab the leading state in sports by upgrading infrastructure and promoting athletic excellence.
Meanwhile, profusely thanking the Chief Minister PCA office bearers including President Amarjit Mehta, Vice President Deepak Bali, Secretary Kulwant Singh MLA and others assured him that the association will take every necessary step to further promote cricket in the state.
