The third edition of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) roared to life on Friday, marking its grand debut in a new host city with expanded participation. The tournament's infectious energy, a hallmark of its first two seasons, was palpable as it unfolded at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat, Gujarat.
A Star-Studded Opening in a New City
The opening ceremony, gracefully hosted by television star Rupali Ganguly, set the tone for the event. It was attended by a vibrant crowd, the team owners, and the core committee members of the league. After formal introductions of the committee—including Ashish Shelar, Minal Amol Kale, and League Commissioner Suraj Samat—the audience saved their most thunderous applause for the final arrival.
The moment of high drama belonged to the 'Master Blaster' himself. ISPL Core Committee member and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar made a spectacular entrance, driving onto the field in a gleaming red Porsche 911. Clad in black, Tendulkar brought with him the ultimate prize for the season's performers: the MVP Award winner will get to drive home a Porsche.
Majhi Mumbai Starts Title Defence with a Win
When the cricketing action commenced, it was a replay of last year's final. Defending champions Majhi Mumbai clashed with Srinagar Ke Veer, and the champions stamped their authority early. In a tense encounter, Majhi Mumbai posted a total of 59 runs.
At one stage, the score seemed chaseable, but Srinagar Ke Veer's batting lineup never found its rhythm. They faltered in the pursuit, falling short by 13 runs. The bowling effort from Majhi Mumbai's Ijaj Ahmad, who took 3 wickets for just 9 runs, was pivotal and earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
Looking Ahead: The Weekend Fixtures
The action continues with a double-header on Saturday. Srinagar Ke Veer will look to bounce back when they face the Ahmedabad Lions in the first match. Later, the Tiigers of Kolkata will go head-to-head with the Chennai Singams, promising another day of thrilling street cricket action.
The launch of ISPL Season 3 in Surat signifies the league's growing footprint and its commitment to taking the fast-paced, entertaining format of tennis ball cricket to new audiences across India.
