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Tiigers Captain Bhavesh Pawar: "ISPL is Here to Stay" for Tennis-Ball Cricket

Bhavesh Pawar, captain of the ISPL's Tiigers of Kolkata, has expressed strong confidence in the long-term future of the Indian Street Premier League. He praised the T10 tennis-ball cricket tournament for providing crucial opportunities to players from humble backgrounds across India. Pawar highlighted the league's financial support and its role in rewarding performance and showcasing previously unknown talent. He believes tennis-ball cricket will continue to grow and be played at a higher level in the coming years.

Key Points: ISPL is Here to Stay, Says Tiigers Captain Bhavesh Pawar

  • ISPL creates nationwide opportunities
  • Supports players from humble backgrounds
  • Provides financial rewards
  • Showcases unknown talent
  • Tennis-ball cricket to grow
2 min read

"ISPL is here to stay": Tiigers of Kolkata captain Bhavesh Pawar

Tiigers of Kolkata captain Bhavesh Pawar praises the Indian Street Premier League for creating nationwide opportunities and predicts its long-term growth.

"I regard ISPL with high regard... ISPL has given immense support to me, and I think the league is here to stay. - Bhavesh Pawar"

New Delhi, January 29

Bhavesh Pawar, captain of the Indian Street Premier League T10 franchise Tiigers of Kolkata, praised the tennis-ball cricket league, saying that the ISPL creates opportunities for players from across the country and is set to thrive for many years to come.

The Tiigers of Kolkata have played six matches in the ISPL 2026 season and have won four. They are currently positioned fifth in the eight-team tournament. In their most-recent ISPL match, Tiigers of Kolkata registered a four-wicket win over Delhi Superheros on January 26.

Speaking to ANI, the Tiigers of Kolkata captain praised the Indian Street Premier League, noting that the tournament supports players from humble backgrounds and offers nationwide opportunities, and expressed confidence that the league will continue to grow and remain for the long term.

"I regard ISPL with high regard. As I already said, I come from humble beginnings, and I honestly never thought I would one day play in ISPL. ISPL has given immense support to me, and I think the league is here to stay. Players from all around the country will have opportunities through ISPL."

"I think tennis-ball cricket will grow over time and be played at a much higher level in the future."

Bhavesh also said the ISPL provides good financial support and rewards good performances, while also giving opportunities to previously unknown players.

"The ISPL has also helped the players monetarily. Those who perform well receive good rewards, as is the case elsewhere. What stands out to me about the ISPL is that unknown and unheard-of players get opportunities here," Bhavesh said.

Speaking about his cricketing journey, Bhavesh Pawar shared that he began playing at the village level and progressed through strong performances in various tournaments, eventually earning a place in the ISPL.

"My cricketing journey has been pretty similar to that of most cricketers who come from small areas. I started by playing cricket at the village level and then made my way to the professional arena. I performed well at several tournaments, and through those performances, I got the chance to be in the ISPL," Bhavesh Pawar told ANI.

The Tiigers of Kolkata franchise is owned by Aspect Sports, which is led by Aksha Kamboj. Aspect Sports is a leading sports management and development company dedicated to nurturing talent, strengthening communities, and promoting sporting excellence across India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone new to India, I find this fascinating. It's like the grassroots version of the IPL. The focus on unknown players and financial support is a great model. Wishing the Tiigers of Kolkata all the best for the rest of the season!
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Vikram M
While I appreciate the opportunities, I hope the league maintains its quality. Tennis-ball cricket is fun, but the jump to professional leagues needs proper coaching and infrastructure support. Hope the management invests in that long-term vision.
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Priya S
So proud of players like Bhavesh! His story is the story of millions of Indian kids. ISPL giving them a stage and monetary rewards is a game-changer. This is real "talent meets opportunity". All the best to the Tiigers! 🐯
R
Rohit P
The win against Delhi Superheros was thrilling! The energy in T10 tennis-ball cricket is something else. Hope ISPL gets more broadcast coverage. We need to see these local heroes in action.
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Michael C
Interesting development in the cricket ecosystem. It reminds me of minor league baseball in the US, scouting talent from smaller towns. The key will be creating a sustainable pathway for these players to potentially reach the IPL or national teams.

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