Punjab T20 league to take the franchise route

The Sher-e-Punjab T20 League revamps into a franchise-based competition, with six teams representing Mohali, Amritsar, Fazilka, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Bathinda, playing from August 30 to September 13.

India captain Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Arshdeep Singh lead the marquee players; Ramandeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, and Gurnoor Brar also feature.

The player auction is scheduled for August 9; the tournament will be held at the PCA New Chandigarh Stadium, with two matches daily and free entry for spectators.

The league was shelved last season due to administrative changes; PCA president Amarjeet Mehta says the franchise model aims to make it more competitive and commercially stronger.

Shubman Gill called the league a great platform for youngsters, noting Punjab has the richest talent pool in India, and credited his father Lakhwinder Singh for his career.