“Endorsing sports gives me a high no matter what sport it is. I think I can do my part by endorsing them only if they come up with innovative ideas to promote games at the grassroot level,” actor Suniel Shetty said.

He was in the city for the launch of Pune District Premier League (PDPL) on Tuesday.

“The Pune District Cricket Association has come up with PDPL to promote cricketers from rural areas. I will be more than happy to endorse other sports if anyone comes up with ideas like this,” Shetty said.

Shetty, who will be cheering the teams during the maiden run of the tournament from November 13 to November 20.

“I have grown up playing cricket and all I can say is over the years the quality of cricket that is being played here in Maharashtra has deteriorated as compared to the rest of the nation. And in many ways, it is a good thing that competitions like this are coming up to tap the local talent. One of the most important things that need to be done in all sports is penetrating deep into the interiors of the state to find good players.”

The tournament will feature a total of six teams from the district.

Further,in addition to cricket, the league will also promote the causes of AIDS awareness and vaccination drive in the rural areas of the district.

“While it is important enough to reach out to sportsmen in the interiors of the district, these causes that are being taken up are equally important for the welfare of the rural society. It's a first of its kind endeavour which is good for the sport as well as the community.”

... contd.