The inaugural Puthiya Thalaimurai Chennai Super Sixes Corporate cricket tournament conducted by Ignitee Sports will get underway at the Presidency Ground and Mayajaal sports complex from January 19.
Briefing a press gathering, the organisers said the week-long event will host a slew of former stalwarts including Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva and South African Lance Klusner. Jayasuriya and former Indian batsman Vinod Kambli were present at the press meet.
“This is Chennai’s first and biggest corporate tournament to be played in a Super Six format. Ex-international cricketers Sanath Jayasuriya, Lance Klusener, Aravinda de Silva, Vinod Kambli, Sunil Joshi, Nayan Mongia, Sanjay Bangar and Robin Singh will take part in the tournament from the quarterfinal stages,” said B. Shankar, COO, Ignitee Digital Solutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Jayasuriya said: “I am happy to be associated with this tournament. I am looking forward to enjoying myself at this exciting venture.” The master blaster, when later queried about his World Cup favourites, said one of the sub-continent teams will lift the coveted trophy. He also added that Glenn McGrath, Courtney Walsh, Wasim Akram and Shane Warne were the toughest bowlers that he had faced.
Kambli, who was confident that Team India hold the edge of nailing the WC, said: “Corporate people, as we all know, work untiringly throughout the year. This tournament provides a great opportunity for them to unwind. It is going to be a spectacular event. I have no doubts that the spectators too will enjoy thoroughly.” In a lighter vein, the former Mumbai southpaw also asked the organisers to request his favourite actor and Kollywood superstar Rajinikanth to be the chief-guest for the final.
In all, the tournament will host 48 corporate teams to compete in a knock-out format. Each team will have six players and two substitutes. One international player will be assigned to each of the eight quarterfinalists through a lucky draw.
The league matches will be held at the Presidency Ground. The matches from the quarterfinal stages will be played at the Mayajaal ground.
The final is slated to be held on January 25. The tournament is co-sponsored by Ford, while Club Mahindra and Hygrevar Estates are the associate sponsors.