NEW DELHI: Suraj Samat, League Commissioner and Core Committee Member of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), believes that the second season is set to be a grand spectacle for cricket fans. ISPL Season 2 will be held from January 26 to February 15 at the Dadoji Kondadev Stadium in Thane.
The tournament will feature six teams — Chennai Singams, Majhi Mumbai, Tigers of Kolkata, Bangalore Strikers, Srinagar Ke Veer, and Falcon Risers Hyderabad — competing for the coveted title.
The inaugural edition saw the Tigers of Kolkata emerge victorious, defeating Majhi Mumbai in the championship clash. As the second season approaches, Samat spoke to TimesofIndia.com about ISPL’s transformative role in empowering aspiring cricketers across the country. He emphasised cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar’s pivotal contributions, the league’s potential as a platform to discover exceptional talent capable of excelling at higher levels, and much more. Edited excerpts:
As a League Commissioner and Core Committee Member, what has been your observation of the enthusiasm among fans and participants?
Season one has been amazing, and we are thrilled with the response from the fans in our first season itself. We expect season two to be even bigger and better. We have made improvements to our format, increased our marketing efforts, and attracted more top talent to our tournament. So, we are confident that our fans will love it, and we have a lot in store for them.
How do you see ISPL playing a pivotal role in empowering aspiring cricketers across the country and helping them achieve their dreams?
ISPL provides a unique platform for players to develop their skills, gain exposure, and compete against top talent. We are offering significant mentoring opportunities, which we believe will boost their confidence and enable them to showcase their talent. This will ultimately help bridge the gap between professional cricket and street cricket.
What is your vision for the ISPL in the next five years?
We aim to take ISPL global. Our long-term goal is to establish ISPL as a premium platform for tennis ball cricket in India. We plan to continue this growth by expanding our tournament, increasing our base, and forming collaborations and partnerships to further the growth of cricket in India.
ISPL awarded scholarships of Rs 1 lakh each to 101 talented players. What are your thoughts on this initiative?
This initiative is our way of supporting and mentoring the young players who have participated in ISPL. We believe they have the potential to grow and return to the tournament. The scholarship provides financial assistance to help them excel in their respective areas of interest.
With cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar serving as a Core Committee Member, how has his involvement added to the excitement and visibility of ISPL?
Sachin Sir is an integral part of ISPL. Without him, ISPL would lack the structure and rules that make it what it is today. The tape-ball format and the emphasis on balancing the importance of batters and bowlers are all thanks to his vision. His involvement has made ISPL more exciting and engaging for players and fans alike.
How would you describe the contributions of Mr. Amol Kale, who is sadly no longer with us?
Amol Kale Sir was a founding member of ISPL and played a crucial role in shaping the tournament. His passion, expertise, and guidance were invaluable to us. We deeply miss him, but his vision and commitment to promoting cricket in India continue to inspire us. That’s what ISPL is all about.
What kind of interest has ISPL garnered from advertisers and broadcasters so far?
We are thrilled to see sponsors recognizing the value ISPL brings by combining cricket and entertainment. Compared to season one, sponsors are flocking to us in much larger numbers. Season two, with its extended 21-day schedule, offers advertisers ample opportunities to showcase their products. Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands and products targeting the masses are our primary sponsors, and we are delighted with their involvement. Tennis ball cricket has a huge following in India.
What inspired your confidence that tennis ball cricket could evolve into a stadium-worthy sport?
Approximately 6.5 crore people in India are estimated to play tennis ball cricket. Advertisements featuring cricketers often depict them playing on streets or gullies, showing how deeply connected this format is to the masses. Tennis ball cricket is easy to play and accessible to people of all ages. It’s where most cricketers start their journey. The overwhelming response of 18.5 lakh registrations in the first season—and over 30 lakh in season two—has further reinforced our belief in this platform’s potential.
Have you encountered any standout talent through ISPL?
Abhishek Dalhori is one of the standout talents we’ve seen grow through ISPL. From season one to season two, his confidence has skyrocketed. Players like him could never have imagined sharing the stage with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and other celebrities, which has given them incredible exposure and recognition.
Do you see ISPL as a platform for discovering exceptional talent capable of excelling at higher levels of cricket?
I believe ISPL will play a significant role in nurturing cricketers and turning them into stars in their respective areas. Many of these players are already well-known in their local communities, and ISPL provides them with a platform to shine on a larger stage.
How do prominent celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Suriya, Kareena Kapoor, Ram Charan, and Akshay Kumar help elevate a league to the next level?
Our association with Bollywood stars has significantly boosted awareness of ISPL. Their involvement has attracted new fans and sponsors, helping us promote the tournament nationally and reach audiences across the country. We are grateful for their support and look forward to continuing our partnership with them.
Your message to the young children who have taken part in the ISPL…
To all the participants, I would say: play with pride, passion, and purpose. Showcase your talent, learn from each other, and cherish the memories you make while playing. Remember, sportsmanship and teamwork are just as important as winning. So, always play with fairness.
