The region’s new T20 cricket franchise, the Coastal Marlins, will be launched at Buderim on Sunday.
The new club is set to feature in the inaugural Brisbane Premier League, alongside seven opponents from around south-east Queensland.
Each club caters for under-12, 13, 15, 17, 19, under-17 girls and men.
Juniors can nominate for selection in a draft, to be held on May 8, while seniors can nominate for selection at an auction, to be held at the Gabba on April 16.
The senior competition will be held over four weekends in August with the junior competition held over four days in September.
The local franchise is backed by Australian Cricket Institute founders Nick Fitzpatrick and Joel Hamilton, prominent local lawyer Travis Schultz, Sunshine Coast business owner Dillon Pinkstone and surveyor Jarod Pinkstone.
Fitzpatrick is the Sunshine Coast connection behind the next big thing in cricket. He teamed with Caboolture product Hamilton to found the BPL.
He said the competition would open doors.
“We want to give players, especially juniors, the opportunity to play more T20 cricket.”
“It gives the kids a chance to play the brand they see on TV.”
Top local players in line for Marlins
Teams will consist of 14 players, from around the south-east.
More than 1200 people have already nominated.
Fitzpatrick said many of the state’s top cricketers had already put their hands up for the auction.
Marlins owners are expected to bid for the Sunshine Coast’s best players.
A host of top local players will get their chance to impress at the Marlins’ launch at Kerry Emery Oval on Sunday, when a 10-over game will be contested, along with kids’ activities.
The launch will be held from 3pm to 6pm.
The seven other franchises in the BPL are the Northern Kings, Gold Coast Waveriders, Moreton Magic, Western Power, Bayside Pirates, Southern Storm and the Darling Dingoes.
To register, head to www.coastalmarlins.com.au and go in the draw to win the door prize of a Dark Horse cricket bat valued at $245.
