Cricket enthusiasts and aspiring players are gearing up for a revolutionary moment in the world of tennis-ball cricket as the inaugural Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) T-10 Championship is all set to take place from March 2-5, 2024, in Mumbai. The tournament, featuring teams from six major cities, aims to bring to the forefront the raw talent thriving in the by-lanes of India through the popular format of tennis-ball cricket.
Spotlighting Raw Talent Through Unique Selection Process
The selection process, scheduled for the final week of January, is set to shortlist approximately 350 players from the participating cities. Participants have the opportunity to showcase their skills through uploaded videos of their tennis-ball cricket performances. Jatin Paranjpe, heading the ISPL selection committee, emphasised that the doors are open for all age groups, highlighting the importance of including at least one under-19 player in each city team.
“We can easily identify potential by assessing the uploaded videos. Since tennis-ball cricket is quite popular in rural areas, we expect our talent-scouting team to tap into the talent-rich two-tier cities,” mentioned Paranjpe.
Unprecedented Shift to Stadiums
Former India cricketers Jatin Paranjpe and Pravin Amre will monitor the selection process, providing invaluable insights. ISPL is set to become the first tennis-ball tournament played in stadiums, adding a new dimension to the game. The auctions are poised to be thrilling, with player prices ranging from ₹3 lakh to a ceiling of ₹50 lakh.
The ISPL T-10 Championship marks a historic move from the streets to stadiums, setting the stage for an unprecedented cricketing experience. The league will feature six franchises representing major cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Srinagar, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, and will host 19 high-octane matches throughout the week.
Chief Mentor Ravi Shastri’s Insight
Former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri, appointed as the chief mentor for the event, highlighted the significance of street cricket in honing a player’s street-smart skills. Shastri recalled his own experiences, attributing his adept shot-making during his monumental 200 to the skills acquired from gully (street) cricket.
“Street cricket teaches you to think on your feet, be inventive, and that’s what makes the players from this format so exciting to watch. It’s the breeding ground for future cricketing stars,” remarked Shastri.
The ISPL T-10 Championship promises a thrilling week of cricket, unveiling untapped talents and embracing the essence of street cricket in the grandeur of stadiums. The league is set to create waves in the cricketing world, providing a platform for aspiring cricketers to make their mark.
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