Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, a legend who has experienced every facet of the game from the pitch to the boardroom, is returning to his roots. He has embraced a new role as the co-owner and ambassador of the Tiigers of Kolkata franchise in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL).
Why Ganguly Chose the Raw Energy of Street Cricket
In an exclusive discussion, Ganguly revealed that his decision was driven by the league's core mission. He has watched the ISPL, a tennis-ball cricket tournament built on street cricket's raw energy, for three years. He credits League Commissioner Suraj Samat for creating a crucial platform.
The ISPL resonates because it offers a chance to every aspiring cricketer across states, districts, and universities. Ganguly pointed out that while not everyone gets selected for state-level cricket, this league allows talent to be showcased. He emphasized that the country's obsession with cricket finds a perfect outlet in such visible tournaments.
The Sachin Influence and Childhood Memories
Ganguly also acknowledged the quiet influence of his dear friend and fellow legend, Sachin Tendulkar, who has been part of the ISPL. While he never discussed co-owning a team with Tendulkar, seeing his involvement was notable.
Reflecting on his own journey, Ganguly shared vivid memories of playing with tennis balls wrapped in plastic to master swing and short-pitch bowling. He even used wet tennis balls to prepare for tours to countries like Australia and South Africa during his international career.
He believes tennis-ball cricket is fundamental for developing 'ball sense' in children as young as 8-10 years old, as it is safe and teaches the basics before transitioning to the hard ball.
A Platform for Recognition and Dreams
What stands out most for Ganguly is the palpable excitement of the players. Their thrill of being seen on television and gaining immediate recognition in their localities is powerful. That moment when people say, 'Ki yeh bhi khel sakta hai!' (He can also play well!), is, according to him, the most important aspect of cricket in India.
He observed the remarkable bat speed and hitting power displayed by players on large grounds in the ISPL, proving the high skill level this format nurtures.
Regarding the Tiigers of Kolkata's strategy, Ganguly noted that the ISPL already has a massive reach for talent scouting. The process of selecting players for auctions and then into teams for the month-long tournament is robust. He hopes this will inspire more young players from the eastern region and across India to pursue the sport passionately.
For Ganguly, the ISPL is ultimately about showing a dream to countless boys and girls, providing a visible ladder from the streets to a national stage, and keeping the pure, accessible spirit of cricket alive.
