The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) is set to begin its most ambitious chapter yet. Season 3 will commence on January 9, 2026, and conclude with the final on February 6, transforming Surat's Lalbhai Contractor Stadium into the epicenter of a sporting revolution that bridges the gap between gully cricket and national stardom.
A National Talent Hunt Unprecedented in Scale
True to its mission of unearthing raw talent from every corner of the country, ISPL Season 3 conducted nationwide trials on a staggering scale. The league reached out to aspirants in 101 cities across India, nearly doubling its footprint from the previous season. This massive outreach resulted in an overwhelming 4.4 million registrations, a testament to the deep reservoir of cricketing passion at the grassroots level.
From this vast pool, 408 players were shortlisted for the auction, with 144 finally earning contracts to be divided among the eight competing franchises. This rigorous funnel underscores the league's commitment to identifying the very best from India's streets and maidans.
Star Power, Cricketing Brains, and Lucrative Rewards
The league's credibility is bolstered by a heavyweight leadership team. The Core Committee includes the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, along with Ashish Shelar and Minal Amol Kale, with Suraj Samat as League Commissioner. The selection committee is headed by former India cricketers Jatin Paranjpe and Pravin Amre, ensuring a keen eye for talent.
However, the biggest statement of intent comes from the financial rewards on offer. ISPL Season 3 boasts a total prize pool of Rs 5.92 crore. The champion team will take home Rs 2 crore, while the runners-up get Rs 1 crore. Individual accolades are equally glamorous, with the Most Valuable Player of the season winning a Porsche 911 car. Additional awards include Rs 50,000 for each Player of the Match and Rs 20,000 for each Fan of the Match.
The Franchises and Marquee Buys
The eight teams, owned by a mix of Bollywood icons and business leaders, promise fierce competition. The franchises are: Majhi Mumbai, Srinagar Ke Veer, Chennai Singams, Tiigers of Kolkata, Bengaluru Strikers, Falcon Risers Hyderabad, Delhi Superheros, and Ahmedabad Lions.
The player auction for Season 3 highlighted the growing strategic sophistication of the teams. The top buys were:
- Vijay Pawle (Majhi Mumbai) – ₹32.50 lakh
- Ketan Mhatre (Chennai Singams) – ₹26.40 lakh
- Rajendra Singh (Bengaluru Strikers) – ₹26.10 lakh
- Sanjay Kanojjiya (Ahmedabad Lions) – ₹24.55 lakh
- Saif Ali (Tiigers of Kolkata) – ₹23.65 lakh
Teams clearly prioritized explosive power-hitters capable of dominating the short-format and bowlers adept at handling the unique challenges of the tennis ball under lights.
More Than a Spectacle: A Sustainable Pathway
ISPL Season 3 represents a significant tipping point for the league. The combination of massive participation, professional operations, and serious financial incentives signals a move from an experimental novelty to a sustainable ecosystem for street cricket.
For 29 days, fans can enjoy 44 high-octane T10 matches broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and JioHotstar. Tickets are available starting at just Rs 99 on BookMyShow. But beyond the fast-paced entertainment, the league's core promise remains unchanged: it offers a tangible, believable ladder for millions of aspiring cricketers, turning obscurity into national attention and a potential career in the sport they love.
