Three management firms have filed bids to host the proposed Assam Premier League cricket tournament here early next year.

Confirming the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) had received three bids, its secretary Devajit Saikia said: “We opened the tenders on Monday evening and three bids were found valid. We will finalise the organising firm by Friday.”

He, however, refused to disclose further details about the bidders and bids. “All the bidders are quite experienced. I am hopeful they will be able to organise the tournament successfully,” he added.

Sources said the bidders include Star Buzz 365 Entertainment, Calcutta, 21st Century Media Private Ltd, Delhi, and The Social Street, Mumbai.

The ACA had published newspaper advertisements inviting professional agencies to host the tournament. “The agency will be responsible for all aspects of the meet. They will have to manage the games, auction players, engage sponsors and broadcasters et al. We have also sought guarantee money they would quote which will be paid as royalty to the ACA,” Saikia said.

The ACA formally announced the launch of the APL on Sunday, proposed to be held from February 18 next year. All matches will be held at the ACA Stadium here and several television producers are already in touch with the association for telecast rights, Saikia said.

Announcing the T20 tournament, Saikia said: “The event will be on the lines of the Indian Premier League except the players will have to be from Assam. There will be six franchise teams. We will request the BCCI to allow us to accommodate some players from the other northeastern states in the pool of players for auction because they do not have the infrastructure to host their own leagues. The idea is to produce at least 10 players from Assam for the IPL in the next 10 years.”

Though there will be restriction in recruitment of players, there will be no restriction on recruitment of coaches and support staff by the franchises.

A governing council for the tournament was constituted during the ACA’s special general meeting here on August 4. “Four members , me, treasurer Tridib Konwar, chief executive officer Sujit Kakati and accountant general’s office representative Tapas Chakraborty have been selected by virtue of their official positions according to Rule 31 of our constitution. Besides, president Romen Dutta and Rajdeep Oja have been unanimously elected to the council of Dutta will be the chairman. Moreover, there will be a players’ member to be nominated by the BCCI,” Saikia said.