List of Regional Twenty20 Cricket Leagues in India
India’s regional T20 cricket leagues foster local talent and offer a platform for emerging cricketers. From the established Tamil Nadu Premier League to new entrants like UP T20 League, these competitions showcase India’s cricketing diversity.
Introduction
Cricket, often referred to as a religion in India, is not confined to international matches or the Indian Premier League (IPL). In fact, the nation boasts a vibrant tapestry of regional Twenty20 (T20) cricket leagues that capture the essence of local cricketing talent. These leagues, administered by state associations, have become an integral part of the Indian cricketing landscape. This article provides a comprehensive overview of some of the current and defunct regional T20 leagues across India.
Current Leagues
- Andhra Premier League
- State: Andhra Pradesh
- Administrator: Andhra Cricket Association (ACA)
- Number of Teams: 6
- Number of Venues: 1
- Seasons: 2 (2022-2023)
- Total Prize Pool: ₹40 lakh (US$50,000)
The Andhra Premier League has been a nurturing ground for young cricketers in Andhra Pradesh. Organized by the ACA, this league provides an opportunity for local talent to showcase their skills on the T20 stage.
- Baroda T20 Challenge
- State: Gujarat
- Administrator: Baroda Cricket Association (BCA)
- Number of Teams: 6
- Number of Venues: 1
- Seasons: 1 (2022)
- Total Prize Pool: Not specified
Baroda T20 Challenge is an emerging league in Gujarat, adding to the state’s cricketing legacy. While the prize pool is not specified, the league is expected to grow in the coming years.
- Karnataka Premier League (Maharaja Trophy T20)
- State: Karnataka
- Administrator: Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA)
- Number of Teams: 6
- Number of Venues: 2
- Seasons: 9 (2009-2010 to 2022)
- Total Prize Pool: ₹35 lakh (US$44,000)
Karnataka Premier League, also known as the Maharaja Trophy T20, holds the distinction of being the oldest regional T20 league in India. It has consistently provided a platform for budding cricketers to make a mark.
- KCA President’s Cup T20
- State: Kerala
- Administrator: Kerala Cricket Association (KCA)
- Number of Teams: 6
- Number of Venues: 1
- Seasons: 1 (2020)
- Total Prize Pool: Not specified
The KCA President’s Cup T20 made its debut in March 2020, showcasing the potential for cricketing excellence in the state of Kerala.
- Maharashtra Premier League
- State: Maharashtra
- Administrator: Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA)
- Number of Teams: 6
- Number of Venues: 1
- Seasons: 1 (2023)
- Total Prize Pool: Not specified
The Maharashtra Premier League is a recent addition to the regional T20 landscape, aiming to promote cricket talent from the state.
- Odisha Premier League
- State: Odisha
- Administrator: Odisha Cricket Association (OCA)
- Number of Teams: 8
- Seasons: 4 (2011 to 2020)
- Total Prize Pool: ₹6 lakh (US$7,500)
After a seven-year hiatus, the Odisha Premier League returned to action in 2020, showcasing the resilience of cricket in the state.
- Saurashtra Premier League
- State: Gujarat
- Administrator: Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA)
- Number of Teams: 5
- Number of Venues: 1
- Seasons: 1 (2019)
- Total Prize Pool: Not specified
The Saurashtra Premier League, despite being in its early stages, holds great potential for the development of cricket in the region.
- T20 Mumbai League
- State: Maharashtra
- Administrator: Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA)
- Number of Teams: 8
- Number of Venues: 1
- Seasons: 2 (2018-2019)
- Total Prize Pool: ₹1.5 crore (US$190,000)
The T20 Mumbai League has become one of the most lucrative regional T20 tournaments, attracting talent from across Maharashtra.
- Tamil Nadu Premier League
- State: Tamil Nadu
- Administrator: Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA)
- Number of Teams: 8
- Number of Venues: 3
- Seasons: 5 (2016-2022)
- Total Prize Pool: ₹2.25 crore (US$280,000)
The Tamil Nadu Premier League is one of the most successful regional T20 leagues in India, known for nurturing local talent and providing quality cricket entertainment.
- UP T20 League
- State: Uttar Pradesh
- Administrator: Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA)
- Number of Teams: 6
- Number of Venues: 3
- Seasons: 1 (2023)
- Total Prize Pool: Not specified
The UP T20 League, in its inaugural season, is expected to serve as a vital platform for cricketers in the state.
- Rajasthan Premier League
- State: Rajasthan
- Administrator: Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA)
- Number of Teams: 6
- Number of Venues: 2
- Seasons: 1 (2023)
- Total Prize Pool: Not specified
The Rajasthan Premier League is set to add a new chapter to the cricketing legacy of Rajasthan.
- Sher e Punjab T20 Cup
- State: Punjab
- Administrator: Punjab Cricket Association (PCA)
- Number of Teams: 6
- Number of Venues: 1
- Seasons: 1 (2023)
- Total Prize Pool: Not specified
Sher e Punjab T20 Cup is a new entrant to the regional T20 scene, providing a platform for Punjab’s cricketing talent.
Defunct Leagues
While several regional T20 leagues have thrived, some have faced challenges and have been discontinued:
- Maharashtra Premier League (2009): Halted after 3 seasons and set to restart in June 2023.
- Rajputana Premier League (2016): Suspended during the first season due to match-fixing allegations.
- Rajwada Cricket League (2017): Discontinued.
- Telangana T20 Premier League (2018): Discontinued.
Conclusion
India’s regional T20 cricket leagues have become a vital component of the country’s cricketing ecosystem. These leagues not only promote local talent but also contribute to the overall development of the sport. With continued support from state cricket associations and increasing popularity, these leagues are expected to flourish, providing a springboard for the country’s future cricket stars.
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