As the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) gears up for its eagerly anticipated third season, the league is fundamentally shifting its focus. Instead of solely pursuing expansion, the core principle is now structure and the organized nurturing of talent. In a candid interview, ISPL League Commissioner Suraj Samat elaborated on the upcoming season and the rollout of the groundbreaking National Framework – a comprehensive, countrywide system designed to pinpoint, track, and cultivate grassroots cricket talent in a far more organized manner.
This pioneering framework, strongly supported by ISPL’s Core Committee, which is led by none other than Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, aims to introduce order to the often-chaotic landscape of India’s expansive tennis-ball cricket scene. With an estimated 4.4 million participants expected this year, Suraj highlighted that this new model is set to forge a ‘structured pathway’ for ambitious players, enabling them to progress seamlessly from local tournaments to the national spotlight.
The National Framework will operate through a series of zonal tournaments, each meticulously overseen by ISPL’s central body. Player performance will be rigorously tracked using a sophisticated, points-based system, with weekly updates to a national ranking of the top 1000 players. This marks a first-of-its-kind approach for amateur cricket. ‘This will clearly show players exactly where they stand and how much harder they need to work,’ Suraj explained.
The implementation of this system also draws valuable lessons from ISPL’s first two seasons. After successfully engaging 28 million viewers and scaling operations from 55 to 101 cities, the league recognized a critical need for consistency in talent scouting and development. The new structure ensures that each franchise conducts organized selection tournaments within its designated zone, with ISPL serving as the overarching monitoring and guiding authority.
Excerpts from the Interview:
Q: As we approach the third ISPL season, how does it feel, and what are your initial thoughts as things get underway?
Suraj: ISPL has truly evolved since its inception. We’ve witnessed the immense potential of the ISPL brand coming together. We garnered around 15 million viewers for the initial 11 matches of Season One, and Season Two saw a 32% increase in TV reach, recording approximately 28 million viewers. This upward trajectory in growth is undeniable. Operationally, we’re also making a significant leap, expanding from 55 cities to 101. This expansion will allow even more people to enroll and be a part of this incredible journey.
Q: What have been your key learnings from Season One to Season Two, and how are these insights influencing your plans for the upcoming third season of ISPL?
Suraj: Our biggest realization has been the strong desire of more individuals to associate with ISPL. To truly reach the grassroots, which is our primary objective, we understood the imperative of creating a National Framework. That’s why we’re introducing the National Framework for Season Four. This coming season will be our last for traditional trials. We’ve come to understand that performance-based trials are far more effective than conventional selections at various locations. Furthermore, we’re introducing ‘home trials’ this year, a direct learning from our first two seasons. Many potential players find it challenging to travel, and they perform significantly better in their familiar surroundings. To offer that initial comfort, we’re conducting home trials for approximately 100,000 children this season.
Q: Could you elaborate on what the National Framework is and what it entails?
Suraj: The concept of a National Framework emerged from the understanding that managing trials for 4.4 million people this year is a monumental task. If these numbers continue to grow, it will become increasingly difficult to accurately identify the right talent for ISPL. Therefore, our Core Committee, led by Sachin Tendulkar, collectively proposed creating a framework that establishes a clear, structured pathway for grassroots players to achieve their dreams and enter mainstream cricket. This also offers a transparent, performance-based platform for individuals across the country to participate in multiple tournaments throughout the year, which also means attractive prize money. Players will clearly understand what they can achieve and how consistently they need to perform. ISPL will publish a list of 1000 players every Monday, updating their points. These points will clearly indicate their standing and how much more effort is required. Ultimately, the National Framework is all about fostering inclusivity. Crucially, we are now allowing selection tournaments for all types of balls used in grassroots cricket – be it rubber balls or softballs. India is incredibly diverse; in the south, they primarily play with softballs, in the north with tape balls, and in central regions, you’ll find rubber balls. Even in the rainy season, different balls are used. We are committed to not restricting anyone from the grassroots level from participating in our selection tournaments. This truly exemplifies our inclusivity program.
Q: With the National Framework, you’re entrusting teams with the responsibility of discovering talent in their respective regions. What role does ISPL play in ensuring effective monitoring and implementation?
Suraj: Currently, teams already have their own scouts. Our goal is to structure this process more effectively, which is precisely what the National Framework achieves. It’s vital that each team is assigned a specific zone where they can organize tournaments and demonstrate their commitment to grassroots development. ISPL, as the overarching body, provides guidance and rigorously monitors their activities, ensuring everything is done correctly. If any issues arise, we are always there to offer support and resolution.
Q: ISPL’s third season has been branded as ‘bigger, better, and bolder.’ What specific experiences can fans and players anticipate this season?
Suraj: We’ve introduced an extraordinary Man of the Series award – the Most Valuable Player will receive a Porsche 911. This is truly unprecedented, not just in India but globally, for a player to be offered a car of such caliber. Our strategy also heavily involves fan engagement. The final MVP selection will be based on 80% player points and 20% fan voting, encouraging significant audience participation. Furthermore, we’ve extended the duration of play to approximately 28 days this year. We’ve also added two new teams, Ahmedabad and Delhi, bringing the total to eight franchises. This means more matches and a greater showcase of talent. And, of course, with ISPL, entertainment is a given! Fans at the ground and those watching online can expect a wealth of exciting content. There’s truly a lot in store.
Q: What message do you aim to convey with such a grand prize as a Porsche, reminiscent of Ravi Shastri winning an Audi decades ago? What aspirations do you want to instill in players and aspirants for ISPL?
Suraj: The aspirational value we’re striving to create is for every individual to believe that their dreams can be realized, structured, and achieved over time. In India, every aspiring cricketer dreams of becoming a star someday. We are providing them with that vital platform and opportunity. Our hashtag perfectly encapsulates this philosophy: ‘Jitna Kheloge, Utna Jeetoge’ – ‘The more you play, the more you win.’ Our ultimate desire is for them to play, perform, and truly live their dreams.
Q: Expanding the league from 55 to 101 cities presents both opportunities and logistical challenges. How do you plan to navigate these complexities to ensure reach into every corner of the country?
Suraj: We’ve gained considerable experience from our first two seasons, identifying and learning from the challenges we faced. We started with 18 cities, then scaled to 55, and now we’re at 101. Our objective is clear: to maximize exposure for every player. It’s crucial that selectors can observe every single participant, helping them realize their dreams. We acknowledge the logistical hurdles, but that’s precisely why we’ve introduced the National Framework for Season 4. I am optimistic that all elements will come together, ensuring every tournament across the country is conducted with full inclusivity for all players. The most exciting aspect is that in future seasons, players won’t be restricted to their geographical zones; a North Zone player, for instance, can compete in the South Zone. It will all come down to accumulated points and performance.
Q: How can players ensure long-term continuity and engagement with ISPL?
Suraj: Upon registering with us, each player receives a unique identification number. This number enables them to participate in multiple tournaments that serve as selection events for ISPL. Under the National Framework, every zone will host its own tournaments throughout the year, allowing players to accumulate points. These accumulated points will determine their performance ranking, which will then be prominently displayed on our website. The top 1000 players will be showcased: 100 from each zone, along with 200 under-19 players (25 from each zone) and 800 players from open categories (100 from each zone). This ensures every player has an equal opportunity to be part of the league.
Q: Could you shed light on the decision to increase the squad size to 18 players, including two under-19 players?
Suraj: We’ve also increased the player purse significantly, by 50%, to Rs. 1.5 crores. This decision to expand squad size was driven by the realization that many talented players were missing out on ISPL opportunities. Furthermore, with a 16-player squad, injuries often posed significant challenges for teams. Our first two seasons clearly demonstrated the necessity of having at least 18 players in every squad. The inclusion of two under-19 players is particularly important, as it allows for their mentorship and development towards mainstream cricket careers.
Q: Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn have recently acquired the Delhi and Ahmedabad franchises. How did these partnerships come about?
Suraj: It’s an interesting story. Salman bhai has actually been in touch with me since Season 1, and many of the ideas you’ve seen implemented in that season were suggested by him. We’ve always maintained contact, and he was consistently intrigued by what we were building. When the time came for expansion, Salman bhai’s involvement felt like a natural fit. I approached him and requested his participation, and he was gracious enough to accept. As for Ajay Devgn sir, we were in discussions for the Ahmedabad franchise. We recognized his immense mass following in Ahmedabad and across the country. Given that ISPL’s essence is about mass inclusivity, he was a perfect fit for Ahmedabad.
Q: How were Delhi and Ahmedabad selected as city franchises?
Suraj: Delhi was actually one of our original teams in Season 1. However, Akshay Kumar Sir specifically requested Srinagar, stating, ‘if this is about inclusivity, this is where I come from. So I want a piece from where my mother was there.’ So, he chose Srinagar. That’s how Delhi was temporarily omitted. However, as you know, Delhi and Ahmedabad are central to the country, attracting the maximum number of trials and participants. That’s how we ultimately decide our franchises.
Q: Bollywood’s involvement in cricket leagues isn’t new. What do you aim to achieve with this association, and do you believe it detracts from the purity of the sport?
Suraj: My firm belief is that cricket remains the absolute forefront of ISPL. We are deeply rooted in grassroots development, and our aim, as seen in the first two seasons, has consistently been to focus on grassroots cricket rather than excessive Bollywood activation. What Bollywood contributes is accelerated recognition, helping our product reach diverse locations. Moreover, these Bollywood celebrities, at their core, are Indians, and cricket truly pulsates in every Indian’s heart. If you observe the last two seasons, you’ll see the genuine engagement: Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan were personally present at the ground, with Saif even bringing his child to the final matches and playing a pivotal role in team building from the start. Similarly, for Season 2, Amitabh Bachchan Sir attended all of his team’s matches, alongside Abhishek Bachchan Sir, of course. Akshay Kumar Sir brought his daughter, an unprecedented public appearance for her. This is all part of an arrangement where they genuinely feel a sense of belonging and understand the noble cause of uplifting children from the streets to the stadium, providing them with a platform to shine. I truly believe ISPL is a God-gifted endeavor. Bringing so many stars and corporates together within just a year or two would otherwise be impossible.
Q: The third season will be held in Surat. Why Surat, and what are your expectations from the city and its people?
Suraj: Many people ask me why Surat and not another city. I recall one day sitting with Sachin Sir, and I asked him, ‘Where do you think we should take ISPL next?’ We had a vision of moving ISPL to a different city every two years, necessitating travel. He responded, ‘I have played at this stadium in Surat. Tennis ball and grassroots cricket originate from Tier 2 cities. I believe we should be somewhere in that vicinity, a place with a good stadium where I’ve played. Please visit it first.’ After our reconnaissance, I returned for the meeting and said, ‘Sir, I liked what I saw, and I think we can proceed if you’re agreeable.’ He emphasized the importance of eventually reaching every city in the country. But to start, moving away from Maharashtra to Surat seemed ideal. Firstly, the stadium is magnificent. Secondly, approximately 30% of tennis-ball, or grassroots, cricket is played in and around the Surat area. So, being at the heart of the action was paramount for us.
Q: What are your overall expectations for the third season of ISPL?
Suraj: Our primary goal is to ensure that the National Framework is fully operational after Season 3. Our main focus now is to guarantee that multiple tournaments are played throughout the country, with every zone actively participating. We are deeply committed to ensuring that the players selected in Season 3 receive a mainstream platform and are given the opportunity to truly shine. In Season 2, a player named Abhishek Kumar Dalhor from Majhi Mumbai was selected for net bowling with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. This is precisely what we envision: raw talent showcasing its abilities and finding its rightful place.
Q: Is there any formal agreement or collaborative effort in place for players who excel in ISPL to transition into domestic or IPL teams?
Suraj: No, absolutely not. There is no such formal tie-up. We firmly believe that when a grassroots player excels, opportunities will naturally arise. If you look at every prominent cricketer in the country today – whether it’s Sachin Sir, Virat Kohli, or others – they all started with tennis-ball cricket. So, tennis-ball cricket forms the foundational basis of the sport in India. Our role here is simply to showcase what these young men can do, highlight their performance capabilities, and demonstrate their potential. It’s then up to mainstream cricket franchises to identify and recruit them.