Punjab gets its own IPL-style T20 league; Sher-e-Punjab Cup to begin August 30
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 8, 2026: Punjab is set to launch its own IPL-style T20 cricket league, with the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League scheduled to be played from August 30 to September 13 at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium in Mohali.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann unveiled details of the league on Saturday, announcing that six franchise teams will compete in the tournament. Several prominent Punjab cricketers, including Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar, will feature in the league.
The six teams and their marquee players are Fazilka Falcons, represented by Indian captain Shubman Gill; Ludhiana Lions, featuring Arshdeep Singh; Amritsar Soormaaz, led by Abhishek Sharma; Jalandhar Warriors, featuring Prabhsimran Singh; Mohali Kings, represented by Ramandeep Singh; and Bathinda Royals, featuring Gurnoor Brar.
Over 450 Punjab players to enter auction
More than 450 players from Punjab have been shortlisted for the auction scheduled for August 9. Among the notable names in the player pool are Anmolpreet Singh, Mayank Markande, Naman Dhir, Vihaan Malhotra, Imanjot Singh Chahal, Ashwani Kumar and Krish Bhagat.
According to the Chief Minister, all players participating in the league will be from Punjab, providing local cricketers with an opportunity to compete alongside established players.
The league will follow a round-robin format, with each team playing eight league matches.
Mann calls sports a weapon against drugs
Mann said Punjab had consistently produced talented cricketers for the country and that the new league would provide young players with exposure to high-level competitive cricket.
He said the tournament would also allow emerging players to share dressing rooms with established cricketers, helping them gain valuable experience and improve their skills.
Highlighting the government's campaign against drugs, Mann said sports were a key weapon in efforts to steer young people away from drugs and towards a healthier lifestyle.
He also pointed to the annual Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan sporting event and said more than 3,100 sports grounds were being developed across the state to promote a stronger sporting culture.
Punjab is also scheduled to host the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy for the first time in October-November, he said.
Star cricketers attend league announcement
Indian cricketers Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh and Ramandeep Singh were present at the league's announcement.
PCA President Amarjit Mehta, Secretary Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Vice-President Deepak Bali presented a jersey bearing the league's logo to Chief Minister Mann.
The Indian cricketers also presented a cricket bat and ball to the Chief Minister during the event.
Mann said the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League would give Punjab's young cricketing talent a major platform while further strengthening the state's sporting ecosystem.