KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif is going to organise the first RLCA Ramazan Floodlight Football tournament at the RLCA Korangi Ground here from August 10 to 29.
As many as 16 teams will feature in the event. “Football is one of the best sports in the world but in Pakistan nothing productive is being done to improve its standard. So we have decided to go for the tournament which I think will instill a new life in the sport,” Rashif told ‘The News’ here on Wednesday.
He said that all the departmental teams, including National Bank, KESC, Habib Bank, Karachi Port Trust, Army, Navy and outfits from Karachi’s five districts, would show their worth.
He said national champions Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) had not yet confirmed their entry. “I think KRL are going to feature in an international event so they have not yet confirmed their entry,” the organiser said.
The Test wicketkeeper said that two matches would be held daily with the first game beginning from 10:30pm. He said that the opening match would be held between the International Cricketers XI and Pakistan football team.
The competitions would be held as per the format of the National Football Challenge Cup.
Rashid said that NOC had already been obtained from the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). He said the games would attract large crowds.
He said that due to shortage of time sponsors could not be consulted, but efforts would be made to give some cash prizes to the leading teams.
Rashid, who played a key role in holding a cricket event at the same venue recently with participation of teams from abroad, said that if the experience remained successful he would try to enter into a five-year deal with the PFF and try to enhance the standard of the affair.
He said by holding such tournaments, youth could be attracted towards the game. He said that 31 matches would be conducted in the tournament.
He said that the assistance of the MNAs and MPAs of the provincial metropolis would also be sought in order to make it a success.