Jamaica Observer article.
Kingston, Jamaica - Local cricket fans will be able to see some of the country's finest cricketers in Twenty20 (T20) action when the third edition of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF)-sponsored Jamaica Premier League begins tomorrow.
In the marquee clash of Round One, title-holders MoBay Sixers battle last season's losing finalists and 2012 winners University Dynamites at the Manley Horne Park in St Elizabeth, starting at 1:30 pm.
In the opening game at the Manley Horne venue, Kingston Hurricanes face Mandeville Thunder at 9:30 am.
Tomorrow's other game will feature Spanish Town Titans and Ocho Rios Chargers at Chedwin Park, starting at 1:30 pm.
Speaking during Thursday evening's launch at the Cuddy'z Restaurant, Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) general secretary Fritz Harris welcomed the opportunity for players to continue honing their skills in the hugely popular T20 format.
"Our players are improving in the T20 format of the game. We have a number of players on the international stage and we have a number of budding players who are gaining recognition around the world. We want to keep that production line going and produce players of a high standard," he said.
Building support for the players and the six franchises is also important, according to Harris. He said entertainment and prize giveaways will be a feature on match days.
"We also want to keep a fan base. That is why we spend so much time focusing on the package that will be married with the cricket."
The TEF sponsorship is $8million and covers the budget of the 2014 tournament.
The Sport Development Foundation (SDF) is also donating $750,000 to the JCA which will largely go towards a special event that is expected to be announced in the coming days.
JCA officials were optimistic that other sponsors could get on board during the JPL T20.
There will be five rounds of preliminary matches before a play-off encounter between the second-placed and third-placed teams at Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium on November 30.
The top team at the end of the preliminary stage automatically advances to the final and will face the winner of the clash between second and third. The final is scheduled for Sabina Park on December 13.
First Published In The Jamaica Observer.