Lahore Qalandars bring cricket festivity to Muzaffarabad

KARACHI: The first phase of Lahore Qalandars' Rising Stars program is in the final stages and the second phase of the program, which is an eight-team tournament, is all set to kick-off next week in Muzaffarabad.

The eight teams selected at the conclusion of Rising Stars trials at different venues will participate in a tournament on September 26, Lahore Qalandars' CEO Atif Rana said. 

The teams will be divided in two groups and all of the Group A matches will be played in Muzaffarabad.

“This will be the first major cricket tournament in Azad Kashmir,” Rana told Geo.tv.

According to Rana, Lahore Qalandars Rising Stars tournament will also feature a team from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The team was formed after trials at two venues in AJK.

“We received an overwhelming response during trials conducted in Kashmir," Rana said. "Around 15,000 aspirants appeared in Mirpur and over 19,000 participated in Muzaffarabad."

Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium is likely to become a hub of festivity during the tournament. 

“The fans will get an opportunity to win surprise gifts which include motorbikes, cars, PSL Tickets, mobile phones, LQ jerseys and helmets,” the squad's spokesman said.

The management is also contributing towards up-gradation of the Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium ahead of the tournament, he said.

The stadium will host six matches for Lahore Qalandars Rising Stars tournament, from September 26 till September 28.