Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has made an undisclosed investment in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) and assumes the role of core committee member, providing strategic insights for the new T10 cricket league format.
In expressing his partnership with ISPL, Tendulkar highlighted the league’s potential to offer cricket opportunities to enthusiasts of all ages. “The exciting format of ISPL formalizes a style of cricket widely played across age groups. I look forward to leveraging my experience and contributing to the evolution of this format and the league,” he remarked.
ISPL takes me back to my beginnings – where every tennis ball match was a step towards my cricketing dream. It's now a chance for new talents to rise.
Toh chale aao #Street2Stadium… mujhe rahega stadium mein aap sabka intezaar.Apply Now at https://t.co/HNk3xZR2kk… pic.twitter.com/Rsxznn2ENc
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 13, 2024
ISPL seeks to unite cricket fans nationwide, showcasing undiscovered talents, and with Tendulkar’s involvement, potentially laying the groundwork for professional cricket.
Ashish Shelar, Core Committee Member, ISPL, expressed gratitude for Tendulkar’s involvement, stating, “We are honored to welcome Sachin Sir to the ISPL. His investment in the league is a testament to his belief in the format. Sachin will bring his passion and expertise to ISPL and support the long-term development and growth of the league.”
Amol Kale, Core Committee Member, ISPL, added, “We welcome Sachin Tendulkar to ISPL, a format that is close to our hearts. The ISPL brings a professional league format to the raw and thrilling experience of street cricket, and I look forward to Sachin helping to make our vision for the ISPL a reality. He will add immense value to the ISPL.”
Suraj Samat, Commissioner, ISPL, emphasized the league’s commitment to discovering talent by allowing everyone to play a professional game of cricket with a tennis ball. He noted, “Sachin Sir’s insights and guidance will be invaluable in this pursuit as we strive to transform the game at the grassroots level.”
The inaugural edition of ISPL, scheduled from March 6th to March 15th, 2024, in Mumbai, promises an engaging lineup of matches featuring six competitive teams: Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir).
ISPL has announced an Invitation to Bid for co-ownership of the six teams, commencing with bids at INR 10 lakhs. This endeavor seeks to encourage community participation and bolster the development of cricket at the grassroots level.