Darling Dingoes to take their place in revolutionary Brisbane Premier League

CRICKET: A new cricket competition is set to light up Brisbane and players on the Downs are set to benefit.

BIG SMOKE: Toowoomba players such as Chris Gillam could be in demand for the BPL. Photo: Nev Madsen

CRICKET: A new cricket competition is set to light up Brisbane and players on the Downs are set to benefit.

The Brisbane Premier League is set for launch in August, providing a pathway towards further honours in the game.

The BPL will offer an open mens division, along with U12, U13, U15, U17, U19 and girls age groups.

A fantasy auction will help decide senior teams, with a draft to take place for junior age groups.

The Darling Dingoes will form one of the eight franchises, and co-founder Joel Hamilton said opportunities would be provided for players to further their exposure in the shortened form of the game.

“The big thing from our perspective was to provide another avenue for players to play more cricket,” Hamilton said.

“There’s really no direct pathway to play in the Big Bash.

“It’s not about putting the games on at times when there are heavy flows of cricket. The beauty of it is it happens before the season starts, and the juniors get to play in school holidays.”

Players are now able to nominate themselves for the senior and junior competitions, and Hamilton believes knowledge of player stocks can prove vital for teams.

“We expect to see players from Toowoomba directly ontributing. This provides more opportunities to put their name in lights,” he said.

“With how it is set up, you never know who will be watching, and players will get the chance to prove themselves.

“There can be certain connections with a franchise, even with juniors who mightn’t have made a DDSWQ team, but can get their chance.

“There will definitely be some diamonds in the rough in the auction.”

Franchises are currently up for sale, with the Darling Dingoes still on offer.

Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy is among those involved in the competition.

For more information: brisbanepremierleague.com.

Originally published as Darling Dingoes to take their place in revolutionary Brisbane Premier League