JetSynthesys has opened registrations for Season 3 of the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL), with the world’s only franchise-based e-cricket league returning with a prize pool of ₹3.1 crore (approx. US$322K), national broadcast coverage, and ambitions to further expand its reach across India’s esports ecosystem. The new season will be shown on Star Sports and JioHotstar, while the final is scheduled to take place on 9 August at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Mahalunge-Balewadi, Pune.
Powered by Real Cricket, the mobile cricket simulation game that has recorded more than 400 million lifetime downloads globally, GEPL has emerged as one of the most prominent properties in the e-cricket space. The latest edition is expected to feature greater scale, increased competition, and a broader audience base as the league continues to evolve beyond a traditional tournament model.
Growth continues after record-breaking season
GEPL enters its third season after delivering substantial growth across both participation and viewership during the previous edition. More than 910,000 players registered for Season 2, compared with 200,000 during the league’s inaugural campaign.
The competition also generated more than 174 million impressions during its broadcast window, with matches airing on Star Sports Select and Star Sports 3. The exposure marked a significant milestone for e-cricket’s presence within India’s mainstream sports broadcasting landscape.
The league’s organisers have increasingly positioned GEPL as a participatory platform designed to connect aspiring players with a structured competitive pathway. That approach has helped drive engagement while expanding the league’s grassroots ecosystem.
Franchise model attracts major investors and personalities
One of GEPL’s defining features has been its franchise structure, which has drawn support from leading entrepreneurs, investors, and public figures. Team ownership within the competition has developed into a long-term investment proposition, reflecting growing confidence in the future of esports and digital sports entertainment.
Returning franchises include Delhi Sharks, backed by Peyush Bansal; Bengaluru Badgers, supported by Nikhil Kamath, Ankit Nagori, and Prashanth Prakash; Chennai Falcons, owned by Gopal Srinivasan, Madhusudanan R, and Arjun Santhanakrishnan; Mumbai Grizzlies, backed by Sara Tendulkar; Pune Stallions, owned by Suniel Shetty; and Hyderabad Rhinos, led by Amit Mehta.
Discussing the league’s long-term vision, Rajan Navani, Chairman, JetSynthesys, said in an official statement, “GEPL has consistently pushed the boundaries of what esports can be in India. Season 3 is not just another chapter, it is the moment we take e-cricket from a passionate community pursuit to a national digital institution. With the scale of our reach, the depth of franchise investment, and the growing aspirations of millions of esports athletes, we are building something truly generational.”
Developing the next generation of esports talent
Season 2 concluded with Chennai Falcons securing the championship title. The final attracted strong fan attendance at Bengaluru’s Koramangala Indoor Stadium, underlining the league’s growing appeal beyond digital audiences.
The previous season also produced one of GEPL’s most notable player success stories through Sukhpreet Singh, who progressed through the competition to claim MVP, Player of the Series, and Top Wicket Taker honours. His rise highlighted the league’s role in identifying and elevating emerging talent onto a larger stage.
Research commissioned by JetSynthesys and conducted by YouGov found that 81% of Indian esports players have considered pursuing esports professionally, while 56% expressed interest in careers beyond gameplay, including coaching, content creation, and team management.
Commenting on the league’s wider objectives, Jogesh Lulla, Senior Vice President – Sports, JetSynthesys, said in an official statement, “Season 2 proved that e-cricket can hold its own on a prime-time broadcast stage. Season 3 is our commitment to making GEPL the definitive platform for India’s next generation of esports champions. Our first-of-its-kind national esports survey* by YouGov, commissioned by JetSynthesys, found that 81% of Indian esports players have considered pursuing esports professionally, while 56% are interested in roles beyond gameplay such as coaching, content creation, and team management. What we’re building with GEPL is an IP that is not just a tournament but a career engine for India’s next generation of esports champions.”
With participation continuing to rise, franchise investment remaining strong, and esports career opportunities attracting growing interest, GEPL Season 3 arrives at a time when competitive gaming is becoming an increasingly significant part of India’s wider sports and entertainment economy.
