The Billiards and Snooker Federation on Thursday formally launched "Cue Slam - Indian Cue Masters League", involving eight city-based franchise teams comprising Indian and international players.
Outlining the proposed league that is likely to be held during June-August this year over six weeks, BSFI president Capt P.V.K. Mohan said details such as franchise teams, player-auction, structure, and the like, were being finalised, and they will be announced shortly.
"We are in the process of finalising the structure, financial model, the players, etc. and we will make an announcement shortly," said Mohan, who is also the president of International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF).
In essence, the league will have competitions in snooker (one frame), billiards (one frame, 50-up) and three Pool matches -- all to be completed in one hour.
The league will be on a home-away basis with top-four qualifying for the semi-finals which will be held in New Delhi that will also host the final.
Innovations designed to encourage audience participation through interaction with players are also being considered, according to Atul Pande, chairman of SportzLive, the promoters.
Each of the eight franchise teams will comprise of a couple of foreign players, two Indians, including one icon player, a female player and a junior.
"There will be no bidding for the franchise teams, but we will have a draft system in place. We are conservative in the financial model, but I am sure the franchise will break even before the other leagues (such as the IPL and kabaddi)," said Pande when asked about the financial structure.
Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), while endorsing the proposed league, offered all help and support to ensure participation of international players.
Ferguson said that with as many as 28 World ranking tournaments on the professional circuit, the top players have a full calendar. But the WPBSA will work closely with BSFI to ensure the stars are available for the Cue Slam league.
"We at the WPBSA will be working closely with the BSFI on this and this is what partnership is all about," said Ferguson.
National champion Pankaj Advani said he was quite excited to participate in the league which he opined would benefit Indian players.
"Honestly, I am quite excited and it is a great opportunity for players who can even make a career out of it. The real impact of the league will be known when it is seen on the television screens," said Advani.
England player Kyren Wilson, who was present at the launch, said: "This (Cue Slam) is that the game needs and it will be very exciting when it takes off."
