Irfan Pathan Officially Severs All Ties with Epic Victory Cricket League
Former Indian cricket all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a significant public announcement, declaring that he is no longer associated with the Epic Victory Cricket League (EVCL). This statement comes as Pathan discovered that his image and name are allegedly still being utilized by the league's authorities without his permission or consent.
Formal Contract Termination and Alleged Breach
"I am issuing this statement to clarify that I have no association with the Epic Victory Cricket League (EVCL)," Irfan Pathan wrote in his official declaration. "My contract with EVCL was formally terminated on 19th October 2025. This termination was a direct result of EVCL's material breach of the terms of the agreement."
The cricketer-turned-entrepreneur further emphasized that he has become aware of ongoing promotional activities linking him to the league. "It has come to my attention that my name and image are still being used to promote EVCL without my consent," Pathan stated. "Please be advised that any claim of my involvement, endorsement, or commitment to EVCL is false and unauthorized. I request all media platforms and the public to disregard any promotional content linking me to this league."
The Genesis of Epic Victory Cricket League
Irfan Pathan originally launched the Epic Victory Cricket League (EVCL) in Srinagar during April 2025. This innovative franchise-based T20 tournament was specifically designed to highlight untapped cricket talent, with particular focus on players from Jammu and Kashmir who often struggle to find mainstream opportunities.
The cricket league's primary mission has been to provide genuine competitive opportunities for players aged between 17 and 39 years, effectively bridging the substantial gap between informal cricket and professional competition structures. This initiative aimed to create pathways for talented individuals who might otherwise remain undiscovered.
Nationwide Trials and Tournament Structure
Comprehensive nationwide trials for the league commenced in June 2025 in Srinagar and subsequently expanded across 20 different cities throughout July. These extensive selection processes preceded the tournament's planned launch in September 2025. The competition was structured to feature 15 matches distributed across Jammu and Srinagar, culminating with a grand final scheduled in the Kashmir Valley.
During the official launch event held at the Radisson Hotel, Pathan passionately articulated his commitment to supporting young cricketers who lacked proper exposure or institutional backing. He highlighted how numerous talented players across regions including Kashmir, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh had been patiently waiting for meaningful opportunities to showcase their abilities.
"There are boys who have never had a platform. This is for them," Pathan emphasized during his address, underscoring the league's foundational purpose of creating accessible pathways for aspiring cricketers.
EVCL 2026 Tournament Details and Current Status
The Epic Victory Cricket League (EVCL) 2026 edition officially commenced on 3 February 2026. The tournament is currently being hosted at the Indira Gandhi International Cricket Stadium located in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, featuring competitive matches between various franchise teams.
Notable developments from the league include Abhishek Ahlawat emerging as the most valuable player during the EVCL auctions, with the Haldwani Tigers securing his services for ₹2 lakh. Most other players participating in the tournament remain within the valuation bracket of ₹20,000 to ₹40,000, reflecting the league's focus on emerging talent rather than established stars.
Earlier key mid-week clashes featured exciting matchups including Mussoorie Kings versus Delhi Knights, along with competitive encounters involving UP Warriors and Haldwani Tigers. The league phase of the tournament successfully concluded on 10 February 2026.
Participating Teams and Tournament Schedule
The Epic Victory Cricket League features six competitive franchises:
- Varanasi Vipers
- UP Warriors
- Mussoorie Kings
- Haldwani Tigers
- Uttarakhand Soldiers
- Delhi Knights
Matches are scheduled twice on each playing day, with start times at 12:30 PM and 6:30 PM respectively. The tournament's critical knockout stages are set to commence with semi-final matches scheduled for 11 February, followed by the championship final which will conclude the competition on 12 February 2026.
Despite Pathan's departure and the contractual disputes, the Epic Victory Cricket League continues its operations with the ongoing 2026 season, maintaining its original mission of providing competitive platforms for emerging cricket talent across India, particularly from regions that have traditionally been underrepresented in professional cricket circuits.
