THE Bradford Mutual Sunday School League’s landmark knockout competition – the Rizues T20 Cup – have held their kit launch at Park Avenue.

Captains, vice-captains, and representatives of all 20 Mutual League clubs were present on a colourful day as excitement builds towards the first batch of fixtures on Saturday, April 16.

And the anticipation is not just coming from the start of a new season but from the prospect of a record prize pot of £2,000, with £1,700 to be awarded to the winning club, £200 to the runners-up and £100 to the man of the match.

Wharfedale Observer:

“Excitement comes with positive change,” said Omars’ captain Qamar Sadiq, who has the good fortune to play his home matches at Park Avenue.

“The new executive (committee) have put a lot of effort and time into moving the league towards exciting new formats.

One of the biggest factors is the new Rizues T20 Cup which, for me, is a game-changer for our league

Not surprisingly, the prize money reflects the biggest financial reward for a cup competition in the league's 126-year history.

Mutual League chairman Dr Rizwan Hameed welcomed the clubs’ representatives, saying: “Everyone associated with this league should be proud of the fact we are attending this kit launch for a new format which promises to deliver an exciting competition.

“Everyone is looking forward to playing in the Rizues T20 Cup and competing to win a record prize, which is not only a record for our league but for any grassroots cricket league in the region.”

Wharfedale Observer:

The T20 competition is a shot in the arm for a league which, like many others, have struggled both before and during the pandemic.

Sadiq added: “The buzz it has already created is brilliant and this can only help towards building our league into one of the best cricket leagues in Yorkshire.

"Hats off to the guys in charge and I thank them for everything they have achieved in such a short period of time.”

Clubs and officials were addressed by members of the league’s executive committee and were then presented with their team kits for the T20 Cup.

“It was a fantastic event and very well organised,” said Sarwar Rana, captain of Bradford Qalandars.

“The colourful kits all looked great, and everyone was very friendly. There was very good bonding between the league members and clubs. We had a lot of fun.”

The Rizues T20 Cup will feature a pool stage with four groups of five teams. The top team from each group will progress to compete in finals day on Saturday, August 20.

Anticipating T20 results is difficult, but Apperley Bridge are among the favourites.

Their captain, Mohammed Junaid, said: “This T20 format is anyone’s for the taking.

"I believe it takes one moment of brilliance to change the momentum of a game.

"We always play with a winning attitude, and I really fancy our chances at Apperley Bridge to win this tournament.”