Sachin Tendulkar’s Master XI will take on Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar’s Khiladi XI to kick start first season of Indian Street Premier League in Mumbai

INDIAN STREET PREMIER LEAGUE LAUNCHPAD TO SPARKLE WITH BOLLYWOOD STAR POWER AT GLAMOROUS OPENING GALA

Rakesh Thapliyal 

Mumbai: The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) gears up for its inaugural season, set to commence here on Wednesday at the Dadoji Kondadev Stadium in Mumbai. To kick-start the cricketing extravaganza in style, a special ‘Exhibition Match’ will feature the legendary Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar’s Master XI taking on Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar’s Khiladi XI in the India’s pioneering tennis ball T10 cricket tournament to be played inside a stadium. 

The excitement doesn’t end there, as the tournament opener between Srinagar Ke Veer and Majhi Mumbai is scheduled to follow at 7:30 PM, guaranteeing an exciting launch to the ISPL tournament. 

Opening Ceremony

The grand opening ceremony will be a spectacle to behold, featuring a mesmerizing musical festival headlined by a live performance from ‘Gully Boy’ Siddhant Chaturvedi X Dharavi Rockers Band. Adding to the allure, team owners including Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Saif & Kareena Kapoor-Khan, Suriya Sivakumar, Hrithik Roshan, and Ram Charan will grace the occasion with their presence. The ceremony will also showcase a scintillating drone show by Karishma Kotak, with the national anthem led by none other than Amitabh Bachchan.

The ISPL will witness fierce competition among six formidable teams – Chennai Singams, Tiigers of Kolkata, Falcon Risers Hyderabad, Bangalore Strikers, and Srinagar Ke Veer – as they vie for the coveted ISPL Championship title. The tournament, spanning from March 6th to March 15th, 2024, promises to revolutionize the traditional sport of cricket with its innovative T10 format, featuring 10 overs per innings and an exciting toss ritual called the ‘Tip-Top Toss’.

Rules of the Tournament

Each team will comprise 16 players, with a mandatory playing 11 that includes one player from each ISPL Zone (East, West, North, South, and Central), along with one player under 19 years of age. Captains must designate a minimum of five bowlers who can be challenged during the 50-50 over. Intervals between innings, drinks breaks, strategic timeouts, and any other agreed intervals will be observed during matches.

In the event of a tie after both innings, a Super Over will be played, with subsequent Super Overs if necessary until a winner is determined. The match will commence with three overs of power play: the first two overs designated as a mandatory Bowling Power Play, during which only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle, followed by one over of Batting Power Play, to be taken between overs 3-9, with a maximum of three fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. If the Batting Power Play is not taken before the start of the 9th over, the 9th over will automatically become a mandatory Batting Power Play.

During Non-Power Play overs, a maximum of five players are allowed outside the circle, with at least four fielders (excluding the keeper and bowler) required inside the inner circle. No restrictions apply to the off side, but a maximum of five fielders are allowed on the leg side, including a maximum of two behind the popping crease at the time of delivery. Teams are allowed a maximum of two substitutes per game, with injured players eligible for replacement from the unsold player list within the same zone.

An exciting aspect of ISPL is the provision for 9-Street Runs, where if a ball hit by the batsman crosses the fence and goes directly into the audience, it counts as nine runs added to the team and batsman’s personal score. If a fan catches the ball from the audience, they receive Rs. 3,000 from ISPL.

These rules aim to ensure fair play, and an exhilarating cricketing experience throughout the ISPL season.

Traffic Restrictions

In preparation for the grand event and to ensure the convenience and safety of the general public, certain traffic restrictions will be in place around the stadium on the opening day. From 2 PM to 10 PM, the road outside Gate 1 and Gate 2 of the Dadoji Kondadev Stadium will be designated as a no-vehicle zone due to VVIP movement. Only vehicles with passes will be permitted on the road during this period.

Book Your Tickets now!  Click the link for more info- Tickets of ISPL LIVE ON BOOK MY SHOW.

ISPL Season 1 Schedule:

Neeti Agrawal, Owner, Majhi Mumbai said “Indian Street Premier League – T10 has provided a remarkable platform for budding cricketers who aspire to elevate the sport beyond gully cricket. This is just the beginning; we envision it transcending borders to gain international recognition. Presently, the sport is not limited to India. With the growing momentum of season one of ISPL, there’s vast potential for cricketers to excel on a national as well as international stage. We foresee the ISPL tournament emerging as a pivotal platform for all the cricketers. Initiatives like the Indian Street Premier League hold the power to transform tennis ball cricket, providing equal opportunities to players to showcase their talent and passion for the game.”

Karunakar Madhava Kotian, Majhi Mumbai Head Coach said “Selecting the final squad for Majhi Mumbai in the Indian Street Premier League was no easy task. We traversed through a rigorous selection process, traveling far and wide to witness the talent firsthand. It was a journey filled with challenges, but one that was immensely rewarding. From observing over 350 players to handpicking the final 16, each decision was carefully made with the team’s best interest in mind. Given the nature of tennis cricket, our focus remained on all-rounders who could excel in various aspects of the game. Despite the hurdles we faced, and the tough bidding war for Abhishek, ISPL’s highest bid player, we’re confident that the squad we’ve assembled is well-equipped to compete at the highest level and make Majhi Mumbai proud.”

According to Yogesh Penkar, Captain Majhi Mumbai  “As the captain of Majhi Mumbai in the Indian Street Premier League, I’m honored to lead this talented squad onto the field. My journey to this position has been one of growth and perseverance, from honing my skills on the streets to earning the captain’s armband in a professional league. I firmly believe in a holistic approach to preparation, incorporating a mix of physical conditioning, tactical drills, and mental resilience exercises into our training regimen.Leading this team is not just about winning matches; it’s about fostering a culture of unity and determination.  As we embark on this journey, I’m excited to see us grow as a team and make our mark in the ISPL.”

Vijay Pawle, Vice captain Majhi Mumbai daid “As Vice Captain of Majhi Mumbai in the Indian Street Premier League, witnessing the transition of street sport to a stadium spectacle has been truly remarkable. What was once seen as mere entertainment or a pastime has now evolved into a significant sporting platform, presenting us with a tremendous opportunity for growth. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I’ve seen the landscape of sports change drastically. The ISPL represents a turning point, not only on a national level but potentially on an international scale as well. The fact that street cricket is now making waves in stadiums speaks volumes about its widespread appeal and potential for expansion.”

Abhishek Kumar Dalhor, Player, Majhi Mumbai  said “I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the Indian Street Premier League, and to have been the highest bid player for Majhi Mumbai is truly a dream come true. Never in my wildest imagination did I think I would be here, representing my favorite team on such a prestigious platform. The journey so far has been surreal, and I am grateful for all the encouragement and support I have received along the way from my team. I look forward to step onto the field and give my all for Majhi Mumbai, and I hope to make my team and supporters proud with my performances in the ISPL.”