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Tag: Suraj Samat

  • From gully to glory: ISPL season 2 auction hits almost Rs 6 Crore heights

    From gully to glory: ISPL season 2 auction hits almost Rs 6 Crore heights

    MUMBAI: Once the heartbeat of neighborhood streets and childhood dreams, gully cricket has shattered its humble origins to rise as a blockbuster spectacle. Remember the friendly squabbles over who bats first, whose ball to use, or even whose rules to follow? Fast forward, and that same spirit of street cricket now boasts celebrity-backed glamour, roaring stadium crowds, and jaw-dropping auctions reaching nearly Rs 6 crore.

    The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) season 2 auction proved nothing short of electrifying. With six teams fiercely bidding for the best talents, over Rs 5.54 crore exchanged hands in a dramatic evening of high-stakes action. The world’s most relatable form of cricket now shares a stage once reserved for titans like the IPL, turning makeshift pitches into million-dollar dreams.

    Mark your calendars, as this thrilling saga unfolds on 26 January 2025, at Mumbai’s iconic Dadoji Kondadev Stadium, promising an epic showdown until 15 February. Street cricket is no longer a game; it’s a revolution.

    The auction saw 350 players, shortlisted from trials in 55 cities, go under the hammer, with 96 players securing spots across the six teams. Among the standout moments was Abhishek Kumar Dalhor becoming the most expensive buy at Rs 20.50 lakh, acquired by Majhi Mumbai, owned by Amitabh Bachchan. Another highlight was the selection of 15-year-old Sharik Yasir, the youngest player in the auction, who joined Srinagar Ke Veer, owned by Akshay Kumar, for Rs 3 lakh.

    ISPL, a T10 tennis-ball cricket tournament, debuted earlier this year and has quickly gained recognition for providing a professional platform for street cricket talent. This season introduced new rules, including the right-to-match (RTM) feature and icon player slots, allowing teams to retain fan favourites and bring in marquee players.

    Notable icon player acquisitions included:

    1   Abhishek Kumar Dalhor (Rs 20.50 lakh) – Majhi Mumbai

    2   Saroj Paramanik (Rs 16.25 lakh) – KVN Bangalore Strikers

    3   Krishna Satpute (Rs 8.50 lakh) – Falcon Risers Hyderabad

    4   Dilip Binjwa (Rs 6 lakh) – Srinagar Ke Veer

    The league’s inaugural season garnered significant fan interest, with ISPL players becoming household names. Sachin Tendulkar, a core committee member, praised the league’s efforts, “ISPL has created a competitive platform for talented players to showcase their skills. The enthusiasm and performances from season 1 were remarkable, and we are thrilled to expand to more cities this season.”

    League Commissioner, Suraj Samat announced plans for trials in 101 cities for ISPL’s third season, reflecting the league’s commitment to unearthing talent from every corner of the country.

    He added, “The introduction of the RTM rule and strong team squads ensure this season will be even more exciting for fans. ISPL’s growth is a testament to the love for cricket in India.”

    ISPL season 2 will air on Star Sports Network and stream on JioCinema, promising fans thrilling matches and unmatched entertainment.

  • ISPL delights golden ticket holders Sachin Tendulkar’s embedded signature bat

    ISPL delights golden ticket holders Sachin Tendulkar’s embedded signature bat

    Mumbai: The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), India’s pioneering tennis ball T10 cricket tournament to be played inside a stadium, is set to mesmerize its golden ticket holders by gifting them bats embedded with the signature of cricket legend and Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar. In a video shared, the master blaster conveys to the fortunate Golden Ticket applicants that the ISPL will bestow upon them their very own bat embedded with his iconic autograph. This golden touch aims to embody the league’s steadfast belief that no dream is too grand to be realised.

    The inaugural edition of ISPL will feature a stellar line-up of matches showcasing the talents of six competitive teams – Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir). From  6 to 15 March 2024, Mumbai will be the epicentre of the league’s new-age cricket entertainment, with matches scheduled from 5 pm to 10 pm each day.

    The ISPL aims to be a revolution in sports entertainment. Beyond the thrilling on-field action, the league will host a vibrant musical festival, showcasing artists from every corner of the country. Expect live performances, mesmerizing drone shows, breath-taking laser displays, and the sensational DJ Chetas spinning the latest beats, ensuring a harmonious blend of cricket prowess and entertainment extravaganza.

    ISPL core committee member Sachin Tendulkar said, “Dreams drive us to achieve greatness, and every aspiring cricketer deserves recognition and support. I am delighted to contribute to ISPL’s initiative to inspire the Golden Ticket holders, who are so passionate about the game of cricket. This bat is a symbol of encouragement and a reminder that with hard work and dedication, the sky is the limit.”

    ISPL core committee member Ashish Shelar said, “ISPL is a community that believes in nurturing talent and fostering a culture of perseverance. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to recognizing and celebrating the dedication of our Golden Ticket holders. Sachin Tendulkar ji’s iconic autograph embedded bats carry a profound message of inspiration and encouragement.”

    ISPL core committee member Amol Kale said, “In the ISPL we value the relentless pursuit of dreams. The Golden Ticket is a symbol of dedication and hard work. By sending Sachin Tendulkar ji’s iconic autograph embedded bats to our Golden Ticket holders, we aim to motivate them to continue pushing boundaries and achieving their goals.”

    ISPL commissioner Suraj Samat said, “The signed bats are all about fostering a sense of community and empowerment among our ardent supporters. We are thrilled to announce this initiative with the legend Sachin Tendulkar ji. We hope the iconic autograph embedded bats serve as a source of inspiration for our Golden Ticket holders as they continue their journey towards excellence.”

    Here is how you can get your hands on the ISPL bats:

    ●    Go to ispl-t10.com

    ●    Login to your player account with your registration credentials

    ●    Update your address

    ●    Wait for ISPL’s executives to get in touch & deliver the bats to you!

  • Akshay Kumar now owner of Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) team of the Indian Street Premier League

    Akshay Kumar now owner of Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) team of the Indian Street Premier League

    Mumbai: The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) is thrilled to announce Bollywood megastar Akshay Kumar as the team owner of Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir). This collaboration brings excitement and star power to the ISPL, a first-of-its-kind tennis ball T10 cricket tournament set to take place inside a stadium from 2 to 9 March, 2024.

    Akshay Kumar’s entry marks the commencement of an exciting line-up of super star team owners set to be revealed for the remaining five teams. Their involvement promises to infuse unparalleled enthusiasm and passion into this distinctive cricketing spectacle, elevating the league to new heights.

    Expressing his excitement about joining the Indian Street Premier League, Akshay Kumar said, “I am thrilled to be part of the ISPL and the Srinagar team. This tournament promises to be a game-changer in the world of cricket, and I am looking forward to being at the forefront of this unique sporting endeavour.”

    ISPL core committee members Ashish Shelar and Amol Kale, along with league commissioner Suraj Samat also shared their thoughts on this significant partnership:

    ISPL core committee member Ashish Shelar said, “Having Akshay Kumar on board is a testament to the league’s commitment to excellence. His association will undoubtedly bring more glamour and enthusiasm to the Srinagar team.”

    SPL Core Committee Member Amol Kale said, “The ISPL aims to revolutionise tennis ball cricket, and with Akshay Kumar as the team owner of Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), we are confident in creating a memorable experience for players and fans alike.”

    ISPL League Commissioner Suraj Samat said, “Akshay Kumar’s involvement is a testament to the league’s vision. We are excited to have him as part of the ISPL family, and I believe this association will help us further fulfil the dreams of millions and get them from street2stadium. This will provide the much needed platform for them to showcase their skills and a chance to enter the mainstream.”

    The ISPL aims to serve as a vital platform for unearthing hidden talents in tennis ball cricket, providing a unique space for emerging cricketers to shine. With the potential to capture the nation’s attention, the league promises to showcase remarkable talent and create a lasting impact on Indian cricket.

    Players are invited to register for the tournament at www.ispl-t10.com