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Ganguly’s Bold ISPL Move: Is Tennis Ball Cricket the Future of Indian Talent?

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'ISPL gives everybody a chance': Ganguly joins Tiigers of Kolkata in ISPL

In a move that’s set pulses racing across the cricketing world, Sourav Ganguly—the man who once marshaled India’s Test fortunes and later steered its cricket board—has thrown his weight behind a league most traditionalists might overlook: the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL). But is this just a nostalgic trip for Dada, or a visionary bet on the future of Indian cricket?

Ganguly’s official role as co-owner and ambassador for the Tiigers of Kolkata isn’t merely ceremonial . He’s betting on a format that has, for decades, been the true nursery of Indian cricket talent: tennis ball cricket. And his message is clear and powerful: “ISPL gives everybody a chance to showcase their talent” .

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Why Ganguly is Betting on the ISPL

Ganguly’s passion for the sport is well-known, but his connection to its grassroots is often understated. He didn’t emerge from elite academies; he honed his craft in the concrete jungles and dusty maidans of Kolkata. The ISPL taps directly into that spirit.

By joining the Tiigers of Kolkata, Ganguly is not just lending his name—he’s validating a system that has produced countless local heroes who never got a chance on the professional stage. His belief is that the ISPL provides a “crucial platform for aspiring players” , echoing his own early experiences. In an era where cricket infrastructure is often concentrated in urban centers, this league offers a democratized path to visibility.

ISPL 2025: What You Need to Know

The second season of the Indian Street Premier League is already underway. Here’s a quick snapshot:

  • Format: T10 matches played with a tennis ball .
  • Teams: Six franchises, including the Tiigers of Kolkata, Majhi Mumbai, Falcon Risers Hyderabad, Srinagar Ke Veer, Chennai Singams, and more .
  • Schedule: The 2025 season kicked off on January 26 and will conclude with the final on February 15 .
  • Official Hub: The league’s official website is ispl-t10.com .

For fans of fast-paced action and raw, unfiltered talent, the ISPL delivers a unique spectacle that’s a stark contrast to the polished production of the IPL, yet no less passionate.

The Unsung Hero of Indian Cricket: Tennis Ball

While the red and white Kookaburra balls dominate headlines, the humble tennis ball is the true workhorse of Indian cricket. It’s the ball of choice in gullies, on beaches, and in every small town and village across the subcontinent.

The statistics are staggering. A remarkable 90% of cricketers in South Asia start with tennis ball cricket . In India alone, over 10 million kids play with a tennis ball every week . In Maharashtra, over 10,000 players are officially registered in tennis cricket leagues .

This format is more than just a game; it’s a crucial platform for grassroots skill development . It’s accessible, affordable, and perfectly suited to India’s dense urban landscapes where a hard cricket ball is often a hazard . The ISPL is the first major league to recognize this massive, untapped ecosystem and give it a national stage.

Beyond the Glamour: Why the ISPL Matters

The significance of Ganguly’s involvement goes beyond marketing. It’s a strategic move that could reshape talent identification in India.

For years, the pathway to professional cricket has been narrow and often exclusive. The ISPL, with its focus on tennis ball cricket, opens a new, parallel track. This league is designed to be inclusive, providing a platform for players from non-traditional cricketing states and backgrounds.

Imagine a young bowler from Srinagar or a hard-hitting batsman from a remote village in Tamil Nadu. Their first exposure to a national audience isn’t through an under-19 tournament, but through the high-octane, televised matches of the ISPL. This is the democratization of opportunity that Ganguly is championing .

It’s a model that could complement, not compete with, the existing structure. A player’s journey could now begin in a local tennis ball league, get a boost from a stellar ISPL performance, and eventually attract the attention of IPL scouts or even national selectors looking for a unique skillset—like unconventional swing or extreme pace generated from a tennis ball.

Conclusion: Ganguly’s Legacy and the Streets of India

Sourav Ganguly’s move to the Tiigers of Kolkata in the ISPL is more than a headline. It’s a full-circle moment for a man who understands that the soul of Indian cricket doesn’t just reside in stadiums, but in its streets, alleys, and backyards. By backing the ISPL, he’s investing in a future where “everybody” truly gets a chance .

As the league grows, it could become the most important talent pipeline in Indian cricket, bridging the gap between raw, local genius and the global stage. For young players across the nation, the message is clear: your next match in the gully might just be your ticket to a dream. Keep an eye on the ISPL—it might just be where the next Indian superstar is born.

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