The Big Cricket League (BCL) made an electrifying debut from December 12 to December 22, 2024, captivating audiences worldwide with a staggering 16.1 million live viewers across television and digital platforms. The tournament, featuring 18 thrilling T20 matches over 10 days, saw cricket legends like Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs, Imran Tahir, and Tillakaratne Dilshan take the field alongside talented amateurs.
The Mumbai Marines emerged as the inaugural champions, with the franchise owned by prominent Supreme Court lawyer Sana Raees Khan and led by former India pacer Irfan Pathan. The league proved to be a platform for amateur cricketers, some of whom gained nationwide recognition after competing fiercely against seasoned international players.
Reflecting on her team’s victory, Sana Raees Khan stated, “I already expected the inaugural season of the league to be blockbuster but my team being crowned champion is like an icing on the cake. I am thrilled for the entire team, the league including & especially the local aspiring cricketers, who got a chance to rub shoulders with the likes of Irfan Pathan and other international players. Mumbai Marines stood tall against every challenge and proved that this win is for our team, our fans, and the spirit of the game. We celebrate today, but we set our sights on even greater heights! It only gets bigger from here! Onward and Upward!”
BCL’s uniqueness lay in its blend of seasoned professionals and aspiring talents. A total of 48 former international and first-class cricketers joined forces with 60 amateur cricketers, who earned their spots through trials held across India. The tournament reached over 200 million people globally through digital, print, and social media, further cementing its impact on the cricketing world.
Broadcast across multiple platforms, including Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV, and FanCode, the league enjoyed significant viewership success. Commenting on the numbers, BCL Commissioner Dilip Vengsarkar remarked, “The Big Cricket League is a project that aims at fulfilling dreams of those who could never get a chance to play at the highest level. The cricket was fantastic, talent on display was exceptional and the viewership numbers are a testimony to the hard work put in by the team.”
The league’s founders also expressed their excitement at the overwhelming response. Rudra Pratap Singh, Founder & President of BCL, said, “We are delighted with the viewership numbers of Big Cricket League Season 1 and the response we have received across the world. I was happy with the cricket quality & am really proud of the amateur cricketers, who went neck-to-neck with former international stars, producing top-quality cricket.”
CEO Annirudh Chauhan echoed similar sentiments, stating, “The viewership numbers of Big Cricket League Season 1 are a testament to the uniqueness & brilliance of our concept, which sets it apart from other cricket leagues happening across the world. We have received a brilliant response from brands, sponsors & our broadcast partners & it gives us the impetus to make Season 2 bigger, better & blockbuster.”
With the success of its first season, BCL is already preparing for an even grander second edition. Registrations for Season 2 are open, and trials are set to begin in March 2025. The next season promises the participation of even more international cricketing stars, further elevating the competition and providing fresh opportunities for aspiring cricketers to showcase their talent on a global stage.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
