Mumbai, Jan 13: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has taken a swing at a new venture, investing in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) and joining as a core committee member. The ISPL introduces a unique T10 cricket league format played with tennis balls, aimed at showcasing talent across all age groups.
Expressing his excitement, Tendulkar said, "The ISPL is a celebration of cricket. My involvement reflects my journey back to my roots, where I honed my skills with tennis balls. It offers aspiring cricket enthusiasts a similar opportunity."
The ISPL, set to kick off on March 2, 2024, brings the thrill of street cricket into stadiums, featuring six teams representing major cities. The league's groundbreaking approach allows players of all ages to participate, with selections overseen by former Indian cricket team captain and coach Ravi Shastri.
The registration process for aspiring players is open until January 14, 2024, with the selection committee shortlisting candidates based on profiles. The league's Chief Mentor, Ravi Shastri, along with the selection committee, aims to ensure transparency in the team selection process.
Notable personalities, including Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Suriya, and Ram Charan, have joined the ISPL as team owners. The league provides an exclusive opportunity for fans to become co-owners through an Invitation to Bid, with a base price of Rs 10 lakh.
The ISPL aims to break barriers and take street cricket's passion to a grand stage. Live coverage on a top sports channel and an official website, www.ispl-t10.com, ensure extensive national exposure for the league.
The Evolution of Cricket Over the Years: From Streets to Stadiums
Cricket has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, evolving from its roots on the streets to the grandeur of stadiums. While traditional formats like Test and One Day Internationals (ODIs) continue to hold significance, the emergence of T20 and now T10 leagues brings a dynamic and fast-paced dimension to the game.
The introduction of leagues like the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) represents a bridge between the raw, unstructured nature of street cricket and the organized, professional setup of international tournaments. These leagues not only provide a platform for undiscovered talents but also engage fans in a more accessible and entertaining manner.
