Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association on Friday announced the fifth edition of the Karbonn Smart Karnataka Premier League. The tournament will be held in Mysuru and Hubbali between September 16 and October 1.

Brijesh Patel, honorary secretary, KSCA said the best aspect of KPL is the increasing number of cricketers it has helped unearth and develop. “This in turn, has impacted positively on the fortunes of players and the state,’’ said Brijesh Patel.

Patel said the many of the emerging young talents, from the likes of Shivil Kaushik, KC Cariappa, J Suchith, Praveen Dubey, Kishore Kamath, Prasidh Krishna to David Mathias were discovered while standing up to the pressure of KPL. “Shivil Kaushik went from anonymity to an IPL contract with Gujarat Lions and now a contract with English club Hull City in the Yorkshire league, all in one season, after coming into limelight at the KPL,’’ he said.

P R Ashokanand, president, KSCA, said this year the matches would be staged in the ugraded stadia of Hubbali and Mysuru from September 16 to October 1. “In the near future we hope to host some matches in Shivamogga and Mangalore too,’’ Ashokanand said.

The first phase will be held at the SDNR Wadiyar cricket ground from September 16 to 22. The Hubbali phase will be staged at the KSCA stadium in Raj Nagar from September 24 to October 1. Both the semifinals and the final will be held in Hubbali.

The teams are: Bijapur Bulls, Belagavi Panthers, Bellary Tuskers, Hubli Tigers, Mangalore United, Mysuru Warriors, Namma Shivamogga and Rock Stars.