No Fantasy Leagues, More Innovation, Expansion and Exposure: ISPL Commissioner Suraj Samat's Bold Vision for Tennis Ball Cricket Future

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The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) League Commissioner Suraj Samat spoke about a plethora of plans for the competition in the coming years in a media roundtable on Friday (February 14).

The Tennis ball tournament has taken the country by storm. Since its inception in 2024, the format has reached corners of the nation and is ready to expand its wings in the coming years.

Suraj Samat, who has been a key figure in the revolution and concept, spoke to media at the Dadoji Konddev Stadium and opened up on the vision in coming years.

Two New ISPL Teams

There have been talks about an injection of two new teams in the ISPL from the upcoming season. Speaking about the overwhelming response from viewers and the keen interest from multiple investors, Samat emphasized that while nothing has been confirmed, discussions are actively underway.

"We are looking at opening two more teams, but nothing is confirmed yet. We are still looking at offers coming in and will decide on that," Samat stated, reflecting on the growing popularity of the league and its strong financial backing.

Say No to Fantasy Leagues

As the ISPL continues to evolve, fan engagement has been one of the key focus areas, particularly through fantasy gaming platforms. Addressing concerns regarding ISPL's presence on such platforms, Samat highlighted a conscious decision to distance the league from gambling and surrogate brands.

"Last year, we were on Dream 11 and another platform, but this year we decided not to associate with any gambling or surrogate brands. This is a decision taken collectively by the committee," he explained.

The league's governing committee, which includes cricketing legends and industry leaders, is yet to determine if fantasy gaming will play a role in future engagement strategies.

ISPL's Unique Role in Grassroots Cricket Development

Unlike the BCCI, which primarily governs professional cricket in India, the ISPL aims to create a structured platform for grassroots players who lack exposure to organized tournaments.

"BCCI conducts the professional side of cricket, while what we are doing is at the grassroots level. This is where the hunger to play comes from, and we hope that someday, some of these players will make it to professional cricket," Samat noted.

"When we started ISPL, it was about giving a chance to those who lost out on professional cricket. These kids had no shoes, no gear, yet they played fearlessly. That's what inspired us to build this league," Samat recalled passionately.

Nationwide Expansion and International Aspirations

With tennis ball cricket deeply rooted in India's sporting culture, ISPL is looking to expand its presence beyond Mumbai. While the logistical advantages of hosting matches in Maharashtra are currently significant, Samat confirmed that plans to take the league to other states and even international markets are in motion.

"From Season 3, we plan to move outside our current location. It all depends on the infrastructure and support we receive from other states," he said.

ISPL set for International Exposure

In a significant step toward expansion, ISPL has also introduced state-level tournaments to ensure a more structured selection process.

The league is also eyeing international markets, particularly in the Gulf region, where tennis ball cricket enjoys immense popularity. A groundbreaking initiative in partnership with Saudi Arabian authorities could see the birth of the ISPL GCC Cup, featuring teams representing Gulf nations.

"We had signed up with Abu Dhabi Tourism, but due to scheduling issues, we are now moving the tournament to Saudi Arabia. Each team will represent a different country, with Bollywood superstars like Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, and Amitabh Bachchan owning franchises," Samat announced.

Innovations in Equipment and Gameplay

One of ISPL's most intriguing innovations has been the development of a unique ISPL-branded ball in collaboration with SG. Designed under the guidance of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, this ball offers a hybrid experience between traditional tennis and leather balls.

"The ISPL ball swings completely on one side and is heavier than a normal tennis ball. It's a balance between power and technique, ensuring players require timing and skill to succeed," Samat explained.

The Road Ahead

With a solid foundation and a clear vision, ISPL is set to establish itself as a formidable force in the cricketing world. The commissioner says the important thing was trust to the players, and they have been able to earn that.

"Trust takes time to develop, but after two seasons, people are seeing the big names behind ISPL and the seriousness of this initiative. With the continued backing of cricketing legends and Bollywood superstars, we are confident this platform will thrive for years to come," Samat affirmed.

As the final act of ISPL season 2 takes place on Saturday, one can only imagine a greater version of ISPL in coming years. At least that is the plan!