By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: A major step has been taken to promote tapeball cricket in Pakistan and introduce it at an international standard, as the Pakistan Tapeball Premier League (PTPL) and the Popular Group of Industries have signed a partnership agreement to jointly organize a major tournament in 2026.
The agreement was signed by PTPL Chief Executive Officer Khurram Majeed and Popular Group Managing Director Shehbaz Ali Malik at a formal ceremony attended by senior officials from both organizations and members of the sports community, including Popular Group Director Imran Roshan.
Under the agreement, the two organizations will host a grand tapeball cricket tournament in 2026, with Karachi and Lahore being considered as possible venues. Organizers said the mega event will feature the country’s top tapeball players and aims to provide a professional platform for a sport traditionally played in streets and neighborhoods.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shehbaz Ali Malik said sports play a key role in building a healthy society and that the group is committed to encouraging young people towards positive activities. “When sports grounds flourish, hospitals fall empty,” he said, adding that Popular Group has always supported sports and will continue contributing to this national responsibility.
He said tapeball is Pakistan’s most widely played form of cricket, and the tournament will showcase hidden talent to the world. PTPL CEO Khurram Majeed thanked Popular Group for its support, saying the partnership would brighten the future of tapeball cricket in Pakistan and help strengthen players both financially and professionally.
