CHENNAI: A total of 878 players will feature in the 2019 draft of the Tamil Nadu Premier League with each ofthe eight franchises allowed to pick a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 22 players, which must include at least two district players.
The order of picks for the draft will begin from the highest bidding franchise Tuti Patriot and end with iDream Karaikudi Kalai, the lowest bidder, the Hindu reports.
“TNPL’s popularity has grown manifold not only in the state but also in the country with players like Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, and Murugan Ashwin being sought after by the Indian Premier League franchises over the last three years,” Tamil Nadu Cricket Association joint secretary RI Palani told the daily.
Former India batsman and commentator Subramaniam Badrinath will conduct the draft proceedings.
“The player draft is ideally the last piece of the puzzle that will give final shape to the participating teams for the new season,” Palani said.
Tuti Patriots and Chepauk Super Gillies dominated the first two seasons with the former winning the inaugural edition and the latter emerging triumphant in the second season. Siechem Madurai Panthers broke that dominance by winning the third season defeating Dindigul Dragons in the final.
“Every season has produced a new champion and level of competition in the league has only increased year on year. The 2019 season is going to be no different and we are expecting an exciting fare,” said Palani.
The fourth season of the TNPL will begin from July 19 with last year’s finalist Dindigul Dragons taking on 2017 champion Chepauk Super Gillies at the NPR College ground, Dindigul.
The final team list will be released at the end of the draft.
