UDAIPUR — The eight-day STCL-1 (Salute Tiranga Cricket League), aimed at providing a platform to young cricketers who lack financial resources and access to quality facilities, will be held from Oct. 21 to 28 at the Dr. Madan Mohan Malaviya Miraj Stadium in Nathdwara.

The organisers said trials are being conducted across 20 cities, with around 500 players expected to participate. A total of 120 players, aged between 16 and 25, will be selected and divided into eight teams for the league.

Announcing the tournament at a press conference here, STCL chairman Rajesh Jha said the initiative was designed to identify and develop talented cricketers who have been unable to pursue the sport because of financial constraints and limited resources.

"Many talented cricketers in villages and cities do not get an opportunity because they lack money and resources. Our objective is to identify such players and provide them with a platform to showcase their talent," Jha said.

Several rounds of trials have already been completed in different cities, the organisers said. Registration for the trials and tournament is free.

Eight teams, 15 matches

STCL vice-chairman Ravi Chikara said the tournament will feature eight teams and 15 T20 matches. The semifinals and final are scheduled for Oct. 27 and 28.

Selected players will also receive high-level coaching and training during the tournament, the organisers said.

Former MP Arjun Lal Meena said accommodation, food and travel arrangements for participating players would be provided free of cost by the organisers.

The tournament will offer a total prize purse of Rs 95 lakh. The winners will receive Rs 15 lakh, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs 10 lakh.

The organisers said more than 20 international cricketers and several celebrities are expected to attend the event and interact with or encourage the participating players.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and the deputy chief minister are also expected to attend the event, according to the organisers.

The league is being positioned as an opportunity for young players from smaller cities and rural areas to gain competitive experience, professional coaching and exposure in a structured T20 tournament.