The Catalan Cricket Federation presents the BARCELONAT20 League, a historic boost for Catalonia

Barcelona, ​​March 18, 2024.- Kick-off for the BARCELONAT20, the new Official T20 Cricket League organized by the Catalan Cricket Federation, with the support of the Union of Sports Federations of Catalonia and the Catalan Sports Council. The competition, presented this Monday at the headquarters of the UFEC, lands in Catalonia with the aim of positioning Barcelona as the new epicenter of world cricket.

This unique initiative is considered to be the most ambitious competition in Europe, with the participation of world-renowned players. The inaugural league will start in August and run until the first week of September 24, and will feature six teams competing in 34 exciting matches in the first edition, culminating in playoffs and finals.

The event was attended by the president of the Union of Sports Federations of Catalonia, Gerard Esteva; the director of the Catalan Sports Council, Aleix Villatoro i Oliver; and the president of the Catalan Cricket Federation, Ghulam Saber Butt Begum. Also present were cricket experts from Sport Network UK, the company in charge of promoting the tournament.

“From the Catalan Cricket Federation we have been working hard to promote cricket from the grassroots and to popularize this sport in Catalonia. The arrival of the BARCELONAT20 is really very special, as it will bring together the best international cricket players, coaches and experts, in an initiative that will accelerate the growth of this sport in Catalonia”, said Ghulam Saber Butt Begum, president of the Catalan Cricket Federation.

Gerard Esteva, president of the UFEC, has pointed out that “we are seeing a constant evolution of Catalan cricket due to the good work of its federation. Now, with BARCELONAT20, we will make a qualitative leap to project Catalonia and Catalan cricket around the world.” For his part, Aleix Villatoro i Oliver, president of the Catalan Sports Council, has indicated that “it is a magnificent opportunity for such a global sport to be firmly established in Catalonia”.

Entry by expert Surinder Khanna, former member of the IPL Governing Council

BARCELONAT20 will make its entrance in Barcelona with the expert advice of Surinder Khanna, bringing a proven track record in the world of cricket as a former member of the Governing Council of the Indian Premier League (IPL). In addition, the competition is supported by Sports Networks UK, an international sports organization with global credentials. Thus, the Catalan Cricket Federation promises a first-class broadcasting experience.