Image Source: Indian Express
In a landmark move cementing its pan-India presence, the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), the country’s pioneering tennis-ball T10 cricket league, has announced its expansion to Ahmedabad with Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn becoming the owner of the new franchise. This development marks a significant step toward elevating grassroots cricket through a professional, celebrity-backed platform and broadening the league’s appeal across the nation.
Riding on the momentum since its inception in 2024, ISPL is quickly establishing itself as a transformative force in Indian cricket by spotlighting raw street-level talent and providing them a stage to become future cricketing heroes. With the addition of the Ahmedabad team, ISPL now boasts eight franchises, each led by high-profile Bollywood personalities enhancing both credibility and fan engagement.
Key Highlights:
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Bollywood star Ajay Devgn invests as the owner of the ISPL’s Ahmedabad franchise.
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ISPL was launched in 2024 and is backed by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and political and sports visionaries.
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Ahmedabad team joins an illustrious line-up including Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, and Akshay Kumar as team owners.
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ISPL’s leadership aims to transform tennis-ball cricket from local street games into a professional sporting spectacle nationwide.
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The Ahmedabad team is seen as a gateway to nurturing cricket talent within Gujarat’s vibrant sporting culture.
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The league’s core mission remains to discover and promote cricketing talent from across India’s streets to professional recognition.
Overview of ISPL’s Vision and Expansion
ISPL is India’s first dedicated tennis-ball T10 cricket league, a fast-paced format emphasizing dynamic play and accessible cricket for millions beyond traditional hard-ball leagues. The league’s visionary founders include Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar, Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar, Suraj Samat, and Minal Amol Kale. Together, they conceived ISPL to not only entertain but also to channel grassroots cricketing passion into career-building opportunities.
The Ahmedabad franchise launch is a strategic milestone that strengthens ISPL's national footprint. With Bollywood’s Ajay Devgn at the helm, the franchise brings a perfect blend of star power, business acumen, and genuine love for cricket, promising to galvanize local fans and inspire upcoming talent in the cricket-rich state of Gujarat.
Celebrity Club of ISPL Franchise Owners
Ajay Devgn joins a prominent roster of Bollywood celebrities who have taken ownership roles in various ISPL teams, including:
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Salman Khan (New Delhi franchise)
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Amitabh Bachchan (Majhi Mumbai)
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Hrithik Roshan (Bangalore Strikers)
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Akshay Kumar (Srinagar Ke Veer)
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Saif Ali Khan & Kareena Kapoor Khan (Tiigers of Kolkata)
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Suriya (Chennai Singams)
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Ram Charan (Falcon Risers Hyderabad)
This assembly of star owners raises the league’s profile and ensures massive fan engagement and media attention, thereby fostering cricket's growth from urban centers and street corners alike.
Statements from ISPL Leaders and Ajay Devgn
Sachin Tendulkar emphasized the league’s role in creating a "launchpad for dreams," highlighting that the new team will extend opportunities to young, aspiring cricketers across India. ISPL’s leadership echoed enthusiasm for Ajay Devgn’s involvement, acknowledging his credibility, reach, and energetic approach as vital assets that will elevate the league’s stature.
Ajay Devgn’s passion for sports extends beyond cricket, with previous investments in tennis and MMA, making his association with ISPL a continuation of his commitment to growing emerging formats and grassroots sports ecosystems. His personal connection with Ahmedabad via prior business ventures complements his new role, reinforcing the franchise’s local and national appeal.
Implications for Ahmedabad and Indian Cricket
The Ahmedabad franchise under Ajay Devgn’s ownership embodies a powerful opportunity to harness the city’s thriving sports culture. It serves as a beacon for young players, providing a pathway from street cricket to professional visibility backed by celebrity ownership and league infrastructure.
ISPL’s progressive model is reshaping tennis-ball cricket—traditionally a casual urban activity—into a professional spectacle. This not only democratizes the sport for millions of street players but also diversifies Indian cricket’s talent pipeline beyond conventional spheres.
In Conclusion: A New Era for Street Cricket
The announcement of Ajay Devgn as the Ahmedabad ISPL team owner signals the league’s intent to grow into a truly national phenomenon that unites cricket fans across demographics through fast, exciting tennis-ball T10 cricket. The star-studded ownership casts the spotlight on the untapped potential of India’s street cricket culture, promising a thrilling new chapter for players and fans alike.
Source: Firstpost, Times of India, Business Standard, Asian News International
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