The 29th edition of the prestigious All India J.P. Atray Memorial Cricket Tournament is set to take place from September 10-20, promising an exciting spectacle for cricket enthusiasts. Sixteen teams from across India will be vying for the coveted title, making it a highly competitive event.
The tournament, recognized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will be held at various venues, including the Punjab Cricket Association’s stadiums at Mullanpur and Mohali, as well as the Tau Devi Lal cricket stadium in Panchkula. This diverse range of venues will provide a unique challenge for the participating teams.
Sushil Kapoor, the organizing secretary of the tournament, confirmed that 16 teams have finalized their participation. These include prominent names like Indian Railways, Haryana Cricket Association Colts, Himachal Cricket Association, J&K Cricket Association, Punjab Cricket Association Colts, UT Cricket Association, and Baroda CA.
The format of the tournament involves a league-cum-knockout structure, where the 16 teams are divided into four pools. The top team from each pool will advance to the semi-finals, setting the stage for intense competition. The final match, a 50-over contest, will be held at the prestigious PCA Stadium in Mohali.
The tournament will also see matches played at the Dhruv Pandove Cricket Stadium and in Chandigarh, further diversifying the cricketing landscape. The event is conducted under the aegis of the Punjab Cricket Association, which is affiliated with the BCCI.
The winning team will be rewarded with a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh and a trophy, while the runners-up will receive Rs 1.5 lakh and a trophy. Vivek Atray, the tournament’s convener, expressed optimism, stating that the event will serve as excellent preparation for the upcoming domestic cricket season. This tournament provides an invaluable platform for aspiring cricketers to showcase their talent and refine their skills, potentially paving the way for future successes.