OUR LONG TERM VISION IS TO BROADEN THE ISPL’S REACH, NOT ONLY ACROSS INDIA BUT GLOBALLY: SACHIN TENDULKAR

Khel Today Bureau 

Mumbai:The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), India’s pioneering tennis ball T10 cricket tournament to be played in a stadium, is reaching its pinnacle as Majhi Mumbai, owned by the evergreen Amitabh Bachchan, prepares to clash with the formidable Tiigers of Kolkata, led by the dynamic duo Saif & Kareena Kapoor Khan, on March 15th, 2024 at the Dadoji Kondadev stadium, 5:00 PM onwards. This electrifying final follows ten days of intense tennis ball cricket action, captivating sports fans across the nation. The tournament has showcased an extraordinary display of street cricket prowess, drawing attention from every corner of the country.

Core Committee Member and Bharat Ratna SachinTendulkar articulates ISPL’s vision to nurture cricket talent regardless of age, providing opportunities for passionate players to compete professionally in a stadium setting. Tendulkar’s mention of awarding scholarships to 101 deserving kids highlights the league’s commitment to youth development. Furthermore, he expressed the long-term goal of expanding ISPL’s reach not only within India but also on a global scale, emphasizing cricket’s unifying essence.

Sachin Tendulkar, Core Committee Member, ISPL, said, “We are thrilled with the positive response and overwhelming support that we have received to ISPL’s inaugural season. The ISPL’s vision is to foster talent irrespective of age and give every cricket player who is driven by passion and determination an opportunity to play as part of a professional team in a stadium. Our goal extends beyond the field and to this end, we are awarding scholarships to 101 deserving kids, offering mentorship and training. Our long-term vision is to broaden our reach, not only across India but globally, to celebrate cricket’s unifying spirit.”

As the curtains prepare to fall on this exhilarating event, the closing ceremony promises to be a spectacle in itself, featuring a live comedy performance by the renowned duo from the Kapil Sharma Show, Kiku Sharda and Krushna Abhishek. Their rib-tickling humour is sure to provide a fitting conclusion to what has been a remarkable showcase of talent and entertainment.

Ashish Shelar, Core Committee Member, acknowledged the support received from celebrities and underscored the potential of tennis ball cricket to unearth talent in the years to come. His statement reflects the ambitious vision of ISPL to grow the league into a significant sporting event, aiming for continual improvement and expansion in subsequent seasons.

“The fact that several celebrities have come together to support the league shows the potential of tennis ball cricket and the talent it can unearth in the coming years. This is just a start and we aim to make this league even bigger and better in the coming years,” said ISPL Core Committee member Ashish Shelar.

Among the standout performers of the tournament, Abhishek Dalhor of Majhi Mumbai has shone brightly, emerging as the most expensive player in the league and delivering match-winning performances with his bat. His tally of 131 runs stands as a testament to his exceptional skill and determination on the field. On the opposing side, Prathamesh Pawar, the seasoned campaigner and skipper of Tiigers of Kolkata, has showcased his mettle, guiding his team with a calming presence and contributing significantly with the bat, amassing 119 runs from five innings.

The tournament has not been short of memorable moments either. Chennai Singams’ opener Ketan Mhatre’s incredible feat of hitting six consecutive sixes across two overs left spectators in awe, while Majhi Mumbai’s Ravi Gupta’s impeccable bowling performance, conceding not a single run in his two overs with a tape-ball, added another dimension to the excitement on the field.

Amol Kale, Core Committee Member of ISPL, expressed delight at the overwhelming reception of the league, particularly in Mumbai and across India. He highlights the remarkable turnout of over 12,000 spectators filling the stadium for each match day, indicating the immense popularity and growing fan base of ISPL. Kale’s optimism about the league’s future growth reflects the confidence in ISPL’s ability to captivate audiences and establish itself as a prominent cricketing tournament in the country.

“We’re thrilled by the tremendous buzz surrounding ISPL in Mumbai and across the country. The overwhelming reception from fans has seen over 12 thousand spectators filling the stadium each day for both matches. It’s clear that cricket fans are embracing this tournament wholeheartedly, and I’m confident that in the weeks ahead, the ISPL’s reach will only expand further as we continue to captivate audiences across the country,” said ISPL Core Committee Member Amol Kale.

The inaugural Indian Street Premier League T10 tournament, has not only brought the essence of tennis ball cricket to the stadium but has also captivated audiences nationwide. Moreover, the emergence of new-age street cricket stars has underscored the league’s role as a platform for aspiring cricketers to showcase their talent and rise to prominence.

League Commissioner Suraj Samat reflected on the exceptional talent across the country that’s come to the fore due to the platform provided by the Indian Street Premier League. “There is immense talent across the country in tennis ball cricket and the idea of the Indian Street Premier League was to give that talent a platform and also make them household names. I am happy that the performances in the league stage have vindicated our efforts,” said ISPL League Commissioner Suraj Samat.

Adding to the allure of the tournament, Bollywood celebrities, top artists from the music and entertainment industry, and a plethora of other stars from the showbiz industry have graced the ISPL with their presence, further elevating its status as a must-watch event.

As the grand finale approaches, anticipation and excitement are at an all-time high, promising a fitting conclusion to what has been a truly spectacular event in the annals of Indian cricket history.