January 17, 2003	Friday	Ziqa'ad 13, 1423

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KARACHI, Jan 16: Sixteen teams will be vying for top honours when the National Bank Of Pakistan (NBP) Patron’s Cup One-Day national cricket championship begins from Feb 26 to March 21 at various grounds in the country.

This was disclosed at news conference held jointly by NBP President Ali Raza and Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia, Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Of the sixteen participating teams, the top eight departmental teams and the top eight association teams that emerge after the ongoing Quaid-i-Azam Trophy, will be featuring in the Patrons Cup.

The PCB chief welcomed the efforts of NBP saying that the board was spending Rs.30.75 million in organising the domestic cricket season.

Ali Raza, President NBP, said that the bank will be providing a sum of Rs.2.5 million as sponsorship money including the rights for telecast and other expenses.

The event will carry a purse of Rs.540,000 with the winner pocketing Rs.100,000 and the runners-up collecting Rs.50,000. The two semifinalists will go home richer by Rs.25,000 each.

The semifinals will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium at Lahore and National Stadium in Karachi, while the final will be played on March 21, two days before the World Cup final.

“The objective of the sponsorship is to enhance the competitiveness and enthusiasm among the players and participating teams at the domestic level”, declared NBP boss.

The NBP chief said he was sure that the NBP Patron’s Cup One Day cricket tournament would provide a great opportunity to the talented youngsters.