The Punjab government on Monday approved the launch of the Punjab Cricket League (PCL), with chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announcing a planned collaboration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA).
Modelled on the Indian Premier League (IPL), the proposed league will feature teams based on districts and regions such as Majha, Doaba and Malwa, aiming to identify, groom and promote emerging talent for national and international competitions. Mann said the initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to channel youth toward sports and away from drug abuse, while rebuilding Punjab’s strong sporting culture.
Chairing a review meeting of the sports department, the CM also directed officials to strengthen district and state-level competitions across multiple disciplines, including football, hockey, volleyball, basketball and kabaddi, with the objective of producing more international-level sportspersons from Punjab.