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Tag: T10 Cricket

  • 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.

  • Entertainers Cricket League opens bids for two new teams after blockbuster debut

    Entertainers Cricket League opens bids for two new teams after blockbuster debut

    Mumbai: Following the massive success of its inaugural season, the Entertainers Cricket League (ECL) is expanding by adding two new franchise teams for the upcoming second season. This expansion presents an exciting opportunity for investors to be part of one of the fastest-growing leagues in the country, as the tender process is now officially open. Prospective team owners must register by 25 October 2024, with the auction set for 6 November 2024.  

    The ECL captivated a fan base of over 700 million across digital platforms during its debut season, blending cricket with entertainment and bringing together social media superstars, entertainers, and fans from around the world. The league’s fast-paced T10 format, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from 13-22 September 2024, achieved impressive metrics, including 506,000 peak concurrent viewers on YouTube, 20.56 million TV viewers, and 600 million minutes of watch time.  

    ECL founder, Himanshu Chandnani expressed his excitement about the league’s growth: “The incredible response from fans, sponsors, and entertainers during the first season made it clear that ECL is more than just a cricket league—it’s a movement. By introducing two new teams, we’re giving even more stakeholders a chance to be part of this revolutionary format. The growth potential of ECL is massive, and this expansion offers a rare opportunity to tap into an audience that spans across sports and entertainment alike.”  

    Key Details for Expansion and Tender Process  

    – Registration Deadline: 25 October 2024  

    – Registration Fee: Rs 51,000 + GST, with bidding starting at Rs 3 crore  

    – Auction Date: 6 November 2024  

    – Tender Guidelines: Available upon request  

    – Contact for Information: contact@eclt10.in  

    The ECL aims to expand to eight teams, welcoming business leaders, celebrities, sports enthusiasts, and social media icons to participate in its growth. The two new franchises will help balance the league, create more matches, and provide opportunities for entertainers and cricket enthusiasts. The winning bidders will also have the opportunity to choose their team’s city, adding a personalized touch to their franchise.  

    The league’s inaugural season saw six teams—Haryanvi Hunters, Lucknow Lions, Punjab Veers, Dynamic Delhi, Bangalore Bashers, and Mumbai Disruptors—compete for the championship. The final match concluded with Elvish Yadav’s Haryanvi Hunters defeating Anurag Dwivedi’s Lucknow Lions by eight wickets, solidifying the league’s reputation for delivering thrilling moments in cricketainment.