Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The fifth edition of the Panjim Gymkhana Members League (PGML) is set to begin on January 3 at the Bandodkar Cricket Grounds, Panjim Gymkhana, marking the start of over seven weeks of competitive T20 cricket. With rising anticipation among players and spectators, PGML 5.0 is being billed as the most intense and high profile season of the league so far.
The tournament will open with a formal ceremony at 8.30 am, followed by the first match of the season featuring Dempo Challengers against Manas Mavericks. The clash is expected to set the tone for a season packed with close contests and spirited performances.
This year, eight teams will compete for the title. Returning sides Baale Tigers, Manas Mavericks, Dempo Challengers, RC Goa, Priority Titans, and DNM Avengers will be joined by debutants Sherwin Shaw Falcons and Sun Estate Warriors. The inclusion of new teams highlights the league’s expanding reach and growing popularity among Panjim Gymkhana members.
Teams enter the season with strong and balanced squads following a highly competitive auction. Sun Estate Warriors grabbed headlines by securing Harshad Gadekar for a record 85 lakh points, while Baale Tigers invested heavily in fast bowler Lakshay Garg for 82 lakh points. Other prominent signings included Mukhtar Kadri, Robin D’Souza, and Avishkar Mone, adding further depth to the competition.
Matches in the league stage will be played across weekends and select weekdays until February 8. The knockout phase will follow, with the Qualifiers and Eliminator scheduled for February 15 and February 21, respectively. The grand final is set for February 22.
A key highlight of PGML 5.0 is the continued focus on nurturing young talent. Eight players from the Panjim Gymkhana Cricket Academy have been drafted by different franchises, reinforcing the league’s role in developing grassroots cricket.
The season also marks a historic milestone with 15 year old Arya Amitkumar Dublay becoming the only female cricketer to feature in PGML 5.0 after being selected by RC Goa, earning widespread praise across the cricketing community.
The champions will receive a cash prize of ₹3 lakh, while the runners up will take home ₹2 lakh. Individual awards for top performances will further add to the excitement as PGML 5.0 gears up to deliver an action packed cricketing spectacle in Goa.
