In a thrilling development for the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has been announced as the owner of the newly introduced New Delhi franchise. This marks an exciting new chapter for the tennis-ball T10 cricket league, which has rapidly gained popularity for its unique combination of cricket and music, attracting millions of fans across India.
The announcement comes after the success of Season 2, which saw the league attract 28 million TV viewers and a 47% growth in viewership. Salman Khan’s addition further bolsters the league’s star-studded lineup and is expected to draw more attention to this already popular sports-entertainment spectacle.
ISPL’s Growing Popularity and Upcoming Season 3
The ISPL, backed by a distinguished core committee including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Asian Cricket Council member Ashish Shelar, has firmly positioned itself as a platform that bridges grassroots cricket with professional opportunities.
Tendulkar shared his thoughts on the league’s impact, stating:
“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.”
The success of Season 2, which featured record-breaking numbers across broadcast and digital platforms, has created immense excitement around the upcoming Season 3. Ashish Shelar, 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.”
The ISPL’s roster of celebrity team owners includes names like Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Suriya, Hrithik Roshan, and Ram Charan, representing teams from various cities. With Salman Khan’s involvement, the league’s appeal continues to rise.
Salman Khan’s Passion for Cricket
In a statement, Salman Khan shared his excitement about joining ISPL:
“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.”
Salman Khan’s Instagram Announcement
On his Instagram, Salman Khan shared his enthusiasm with his followers, posting:
“Excited to begin this street to stadium cricket journey with ISPL.”
The post was met with a flood of support from his fans, with many expressing their excitement for his new venture into the cricket world, with one commenting, “Love you bhaijaan.”
A Glimpse of the Future
With over 42 lakh registrations already received for Season 3 trials and the introduction of a new team from New Delhi, ISPL continues to grow its footprint across India. Minal Amol Kale, Core Committee Member, commented:
“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!”
The league’s talent search spans 101 cities, ensuring that players from across the country have the opportunity to showcase their skills. As Season 3 approaches, fans can look forward to even more high-energy cricket, electrifying performances, and the chance to witness rising street cricketers make their mark on the professional stage.
With Salman Khan joining the league, ISPL is set to reach new heights, making Season 3 an exciting spectacle for cricket fans and entertainment lovers alike.
