Mangalore (TNN): The organizers of Mangalore Premier League 3.0 are gearing up to kick start the fortnight long cricketing carnival that will be played at Dr B R Ambedkar Stadium of New Mangalore Port Trust at Panambur on December 17, some 12-kms from here, to a high profile glitzy start.

Action will unfold on newly laid astro turf pitch as well as newly-laid grass in the 30-yard circle, giving local cricketing talent the feel of playing the game at the most highest level.

Eight lighting towers at a height of 60 feet will ensure that the evening match getting under way at 6pm on each match day will give players the best of artificial lighting and for spectators to enjoy the action. With former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin penciled in as the star attraction of the inaugural, the organizers have lined up an entertainment programme and an exhibition match featuring upcoming talents to regale the discerning crowd.

A Russian Fire dance will also be performed. The Blitz Dance troupe of Manipal University that performed at the hip-hop dance championship at Las Vegas has been roped in to add to the glam quotient. Laser show, dragon dance, tall man show, fireworks have been scheduled for the opening day. "We want to give a totally different experience to the cricket lovers of this coastal city," said Sirajuddin, chairman of KRCA which is organizing MPL.

Tulu actor Arjun Kapikad who is the captain of the Coastal Wood XI versus a handpicked team of KRCA, for the inaugural match, said the actors are working out hard to give a good show. Teams vying for the MPL 3.0 AlMuzain White Stone Trophy are Redhawks Kudla, Team Elegant Moodbidri, Kankanady Knight Riders, Karavali Warriors Panambur, Karkala Gladiators, President Sixers Kundapura, Maestro Titans, Spark Eveners Bolar, Coastal Digest, Surathkal Strikers, United Ullal and Udupi Tigers. These teams are currently gearing up to play trial matches in Manipal and other grounds in and around the district to be tournament ready, he said.