The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) is continuing its expansion with the announcement of a new franchise representing New Delhi. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has been named as the owner of the New Delhi team, adding further glamour and star power to the rapidly growing T10 tennis-ball cricket league. This move follows the successful completion of Season 2, which witnessed impressive viewership numbers and a substantial increase in television reach.
The ISPL has quickly gained recognition as a unique platform that blends sports and entertainment, providing opportunities for grassroots cricket talent to shine. Backed by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and other prominent figures, the league aims to bridge the gap between street cricket and professional opportunities. The addition of Salman Khan as a team owner is expected to further elevate the league's popularity and attract a wider audience.
Salman Khan expressed his excitement about joining the ISPL, stating, "Cricket is a heartbeat that echoes through every street in India, and when that energy reaches the stadium, leagues like ISPL are born. I have always been passionate about the game, and I'm thrilled to join ISPL as this unique league not only promotes grassroots cricket in India but also empowers talented players by providing them with a valuable platform." He joins a growing list of celebrity team owners, including Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Suriya, Hrithik Roshan, and Ram Charan, each representing different cities across India.
The announcement comes on the heels of a highly successful Season 2, which garnered 28 million viewers and a 47% increase in TV viewership. The league's core committee, which includes Sachin Tendulkar, Asian Cricket Council member and Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar, Minal Amol Kale, and Suraj Samat, has been instrumental in driving the ISPL's growth and popularity.
Sachin Tendulkar, a Core Committee Member of ISPL, shared his thoughts on the league's progress, saying, "The last two seasons of the ISPL received great support and love from fans and well-wishers from across the country. This definitely boosts the morale of the players who come from such diverse backgrounds, toiling hard to make the final cut. Going into a new season with the addition of a new team will bring in many new fans and supporters to enthuse the players even more."
Ashish Shelar, another Core Committee Member, added, "We've witnessed two phenomenal seasons, with record-breaking numbers across broadcast and digital platforms. It is truly encouraging to see growing support for our vision. The addition of superstar Salman Khan to the mix is the icing on the cake, as we gear up for an even bigger and better Season 3."
Minal Amol Kale, also a Core Committee Member, highlighted the league's increasing popularity, noting, "ISPL's growing popularity is undeniable, with over 42 lakh registrations for season 3 & Salman Khan's addition as team owner will undoubtedly take the league to new heights!"
League Commissioner Suraj Samat revealed that plans are underway to introduce another team from Ahmedabad, with another major celebrity expected to be announced as the team owner soon.
The ISPL's innovative format, which features T10 matches played with tennis balls, has resonated with fans across India. The league's commitment to providing a platform for emerging cricketers, combined with the involvement of high-profile celebrities, has created a unique and engaging sporting experience. As the ISPL prepares for its third season, the addition of Salman Khan and the New Delhi franchise promises to further amplify the league's reach and impact on the Indian cricketing landscape. The previous season saw Majhi Mumbai, owned by Amitabh Bachchan, emerge as champions.
