Sikkim Premier League 2 to kick-off from January last week

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: The second season of Sikkim Premier League (SPL), a franchise-based football league, is scheduled to kick-off from the last week of January 2024 with the sponsorship of the Sikkim government. It is organised by Football Development Private Ltd (FDPL) under the aegis of Sports & Youth Affairs department.

Addressing a media conference here on Sunday, FDPL executive member Nirmal Chettri said the SPL season 2 kicks off from the last week of January 2024 with plans to conclude by March first week considering General Elections taking place in 2024. The first SPL was a huge success and as directed by Chief Minister PS Golay, we are making all efforts to make the second season even better, he said.

The FDPL was formed by former international and national footballers of Sikkim including Nirmal Chettri, Sanju Pradhan, Bikash Jairu, Nim Tshering Lepcha and Robin Gurung.

The SPL has eight franchises – two from Gangtok and Namchi districts, and one each from Pakyong, Geyzing, Mangan and Soreng districts. The league venues are Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi and Paljor Stadium in Gangtok with the matches scheduled on mid-week and weekends.

A total of 32 matches would be played including 28 league matches, two semi-final games, third place play-off and the final. Each franchise can register a maximum of 25 players consisting of three foreign players, four outstation players and 18 local players including two u-19 players.

During the match, maximum two foreign players and two outstation players can be fielded. One u-19 player has to be mandatorily in the playing XI.

As per the organisers, the SPL season 2 will not have an auction of players.

“Through SPL, the leagues and tournaments at the district level and rural areas are coming up and the club culture has begun. The SPL is giving maximum priority to local players and the quality and standard of Sikkim Football is on the rise,” said Chettri.