Smash Hits Ahead: Inside the Electric Launch of Indian Pickleball League 2025

India's first official pickleball league, the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL), is poised to kick off its debut season this December in New Delhi at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium. Sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the IPBL features six franchises representing Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Gurugram.​

The league draft was a star-studded affair with 36 top players picked across international, national, and rising star categories. Highlights include world No. 3 Quang Duong (Vietnam) joining Mumbai Smashers, American pro Megan Fudge with Hyderabad Royals, and India’s top men’s player Aditya Ruhela signing for Lucknow Leopards.​

Balancing global experience with homegrown talent, these teams have brand ambassadors including Femina Miss India World 2024 Nikita Porwal and Miss India Rajasthan 2024 Vaishnavi Sharma. The league aims to bring pickleball into India’s sporting mainstream with a thrilling, city-vs-city format lasting one week.​

Key Highlights

IPBL 2025 runs from Dec 1–7 at KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Delhi.​

Six franchises: Mumbai Smashers, Bengaluru Blasters, Chennai Super Warriors, Hyderabad Royals, Lucknow Leopards, Gurugram Capital Warriors.​

Star players including Quang Duong (Vietnam), Megan Fudge (USA), Aditya Ruhela (India).​

Mix of international pros, India’s top players, and rising stars.​

Brand ambassadors add glamour and outreach.​

The league is officially sanctioned by Indian Pickleball Association and Sports Ministry.​

Promise of high-octane city rivalry and professional-level pickleball.​

Sources: Times Now News, Hindustan Times.