REDLANDS cricketers and coaches will feature heavily in an upcoming franchise twenty-twenty tournament billed as an Indian Premier League for amateurs.
The Brisbane Premier League, which has been backed by former players like Australian wicket-keeper Ian Healy and commentator Mark Nicholas, will be made up of eight teams filled with club cricketers.
Redlands Cricket Club at Wellington Point will host fixtures during August, with the tournament to be played ahead of the grade cricket season.
Current Redlands first grade captain Simon Milenko will headline local team the Bayside Pirates, having been signed as the side's community ambassador.
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Several other Redlands players and coaches will feature across the junior, under 19s, men's and women's tournaments.
Milenko, who turned out for the Brisbane Heat last season, said the BPL was an exciting concept but he was unsure what to expect from the competition's first season.
"I am really keen just to see what is made of it and the buy in from the players and spectators," he said.
"Everything the BPL has done so far has been above and beyond, particularly with social media.
"I am pretty confident they will run it really well and create a really fun and enjoyable event."
Other Redlands first grade players to feature in the tournament include Leigh Drennan, Liam Smith, Jasper Sumner and Lachlan Honan.
Players were picked up at an IPL-style auction, where club owners had a salary cap - consisting of fantasy money - to fill their playing roster.
Milenko said the BPL was a good opportunity for club players but the tournament should not bee seen as a replacement for grade cricket, which had been a breeding ground for players like Marnus Labuschagne.
"The system that's there is already very good," he said. "I don't think we are trying to reinvent the wheel, but it does give everyone an opportunity to play more cricket.
"I think it is just an exciting concept generally, with the auction, with the ability to play cricket with different people you don't normally play with.
"It shouldn't take over from what Queensland Cricket are doing but it is an exciting opportunity for everybody involved."
Milenko said the amateur franchise concept had taken off overseas and he predicted a similar reception in Brisbane.
"It shouldn't ever take over the role that grade cricket plays, but I do think based on the introduction to year one it has been extremely popular," he said.
The Bayside team also have strong backing off the field, with club owners including Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann and former Queensland Bulls opening batsman Jimmy Maher.
Milenko said auction night, held at the Gabba, was something he never thought he would have the chance to be involved in.
"It is normally something reserved for the IPL," he said.
"They put on a great show, and that's what auctions are all about in that situation."
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