Jharkhand State Cricket Association announced on Sunday to host a T20 league for women from February 14-24 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on the lines of its maiden Karbonn Jharkhand T20 league held in September last year.

Titled Karbonn Jharkhand Women’s T20 Trophy, it will have five teams _ Jamshedpur Jasmines, Dhanbad Daffodils, Dumka Daisies, Ranchi Roses and Bokaro Blossoms, comprising players only from the state, officials said.

“There will be 21 matches in all and all of them will be streamed live on the FANCODE App. Similar live streaming was held during the men’s T20 as well. The finals will be played on February 25,” said JSCA secretary Sanjay Sahay.

“This tournament will be the first such event for women cricketers since the outbreak of the pandemic. Since the tournament will being played without the presence of spectators, everyone can watch the match live by downloading the App,” he added.

The tournament will be strictly for players registered in Jharkhand and the teams will be selected by JSCA appointed selectors. “There will be no franchisee/team owner, no mentor, no auction of players, no player fee or prize money involved,” he said, adding that JSCA would ensure necessary precautions and adherence to all Covid-19 guidelines.

“Strict rules have been put in place for all players and officials to ensure their safety. All officials and players will reside within the premises of the JSCA stadium. Only players with a negative Covid-19 test report will be allowed to play. Players will have to undergo medical check-ups and thermal screening daily and a medical desk shall be operational round-the-clock,” he said.

Kabaddi league

In the temple town of Deoghar, the district sports authority is gearing up to host the first ever Deoghar Kabaddi League themed on the big-ticket Pro Kabaddi League as part of its efforts to revive the game in the state. The tournament is tentatively scheduled between April 6-21, said officials.

CEO of Kabaddi Association of Jharkhand Gopal Thakur said, “The Deoghar league will have a minimum of eight teams and maximum of 16. Deoghar sports authority has mooted this initiative to revive sporting activities in the district and promote kabaddi.”

On a possible Jharkhand Kabaddi League, he said, “We are working out plans to hold it among four select districts of Jharkhand, namely Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Dhanbad, dates of which will be announced soon.”