Bollywood Superstar Salman Khan Buys Delhi Franchise in Indian Street Premier League
The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) has announced that Bollywood icon Salman Khan is the new owner of the Delhi franchise. This announcement follows a successful Season 2 that garnered 28 million viewers and a 47% increase in TV viewership. The tennis-ball T10 cricket league, supported by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and other prominent figures, is rapidly growing as India's premier sports and music carnival.
The ISPL's core committee includes Tendulkar, Asian Cricket Council member Ashish Shelar, Minal Amol Kale, and Suraj Samat. Their collective mission is centered on connecting grassroots cricket talent with opportunities in the professional arena.
Tendulkar, a Core Committee Member, stated, "The last two seasons of the ISPL received great support and love from fans and well-wishers from across the country. This definitely boosts the morale of the players who come from such diverse backgrounds, toiling hard to make the final cut. Going into a new season with the addition of a new team will bring in many new fans and supporters to enthuse the players even more."
Shelar, also a Core Committee Member, added, "We've witnessed two phenomenal seasons, with record-breaking numbers across broadcast and digital platforms. It is truly encouraging to see growing support for our vision. The addition of superstar Salman Khan to the mix is the icing on the cake, as we gear up for an even bigger and better Season 3."
Minal Amol Kale, Core Committee Member, noted, "ISPL's growing popularity is undeniable, with over 42 lakh registrations for season 3 & Salman Khan's addition as team owner will undoubtedly take the league to new heights!"
League Commissioner Suraj Samat revealed plans for another team from Ahmedabad with another celebrity owner to be announced soon.
Speaking about his involvement, Salman Khan said, "Cricket is a heartbeat that echoes through every street in India and when that energy reaches the stadium, leagues like ISPL are born. I have always been passionate about the game and I'm thrilled to join ISPL as this unique league not only promotes grassroots cricket in India but also empowers talented players by providing them with a valuable platform. This is just the beginning — as Season 3 unfolds, fans will get to know more about the team and build a deeper connection."
The league already boasts an impressive roster of celebrity team owners, including Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Suriya, Hrithik Roshan, and Ram Charan, each representing teams from various cities.
In Season 2, Majhi Mumbai emerged as the champions. The tournament showcased emerging talents such as Abhishek Dalhor, Sagar Ali, Rajat Mundhe, Ketan Mhatre, Jagannath Sarkar, and Fardeen Kazi. Dalhor's outstanding performance earned him a spot as a net bowler with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
The ISPL's partnership with JioStar Network resulted in significant viewership numbers, with 27.9 million TV viewers and 47.4 million digital video views during Season 2. Data from BARC indicated that 43% of the television audience comprised women, while 66% of digital viewers were under the age of 29. Player registrations for Season 3 trials have surpassed 4.2 million, with talent scouting activities taking place across 101 cities.
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