Friends Premiere League: For the friends, with the friends, by the friends
It’s often said that there is a certain age limit to do anything. As you progress in life, you leave behind an opportunity to do something, which, in perception at least, could have been done at that point in time and not later. Consider sports. In older times, sportsmen, especially cricketers used to play till the age of around 50. The international record is held by W Rhodes of England who played his last test match at an age of 52 years. Surprised? Going by the record books, most of the cricketers of his generation played till a similar age. But the same number for current generation of cricketers is dropping to 40 or even mid-30s. Once a person enters his 30s, there is a psychological age factor that blocks him to play professionally, let alone international cricket, especially when a large number of youngsters are there to take his spot.
The above age factor does not bother Mr. Bhadresh Gandhi, President – Friends Premiere League. In his words, “Cricket is a game. If someone is passionate about it, he should play it. There is no age limit for reading and studying. Same goes with cricket. I am surprised cricketers retire before they turn 40. They continuously play for 15-20 years and then they hang their boots forever. According to me, a person passionate for cricket should play till the day he feels he is fit. Age is just a number. Anyone who has left cricket at a younger age due to some reason can and should play at a later age by giving some time to his body and he will be fit to play and pursue his passion.”
Standing by his words, Mr. Gandhi and his friends started Friends Premier League (FPL)in 2009, following the lines of Indian Premiere League (IPL). But unlike the mega event, FPL is not a profit making business. The motive is to provide those people an opportunity to play cricket on professional lines, which could not play it earlier in their lives. This also helps people to stay fit and healthy as they prepare themselves for a 4-5 months long weekend tournament.
It all began in 2009-10, when the first edition was organized with 6 participating teams. It started in November’09 and ended in March ’10. Since then, it is being organized every year, with participating teams increased to 8 in 2nd edition and 10 in 4th edition onward. It recently concluded the 6th edition in March 2015.
As a tradition, a yearly get-together takes place soon after the final match of the tournament, where all teams gather to celebrate and awards are given. Generally, trophies for best batsman, best bowler and top 5 teams are distributed. It is a celebration to honor everyone who is a part of FPL. As a rule, no cash prizes are awarded to anyone. Apart from the sponsorship, the games are organized on an equal sharing basis from all teams.
The organizers of FPL are optimistic about its future. With plans to raise more sponsorship, the number of teams may be increased to 12 in the next edition. Day-Night matches do not seem a distant possibility now. The focus of the league remains to promote sportsman spirit and harmony among the playing members and giving chance to people in the age group of 35-50 to come and play.
Friends Premiere League is an attempt to provide a platform to all the passionate people who believe that the game should be played with harmony, with friendliness and team spirit. Winning is important, but not at the cost of spirit of the game.
Article By:- Sumanyu Jain
Regional Manager &Editor| www.CricketGraph.com
