Vicky Oswal, chairman of the JITO Premier League (JPL), has expressed confidence in the growth potential of the franchise-based T20 competition and outlined plans to expand the league’s presence across India.
The inaugural JPL edition is currently underway in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from August 24 to September 5, featuring 12 franchise teams, 33 matches, and nearly 250 elite cricketers from across India.
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Speaking to ANI, Oswal said the initial years are critical for the league’s development. He signalled intentions to bring the competition to India, envisaging a format encompassing state-wise and cross-state matches to attract larger crowds and increase viewership.
Obviously the first three years are the most
“Obviously the first three years are the most important thing for any new league or new start-up in business. Hopefully we are half way through on international water which is the most difficult thing. We see it is going to get bigger and bigger because once we come down to India and we follow our Indian, IPL system what is normally there, going in state and going across the state and playing. Because that will gather lot of crowd, lot of viewership. So coming down three to five years, I don’t know what valuation I should say but minimum 10-20x it should be there in the next three years,” he stated.
Oswal conceptualised the JPL with the vision of establishing a professionally managed franchise-based cricket competition that promotes sporting excellence, nurtures young talent, and creates a sustainable global sporting platform.
The tournament is organised under the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) Apex Team, led by Chairman Prithviraj Kothari, President Vijayji Bhandari, Secretary General Lalitji Dangi, Treasurer Sampatji Chaplot, and Director In-Charge Jinendra Kumar Munoth.
The 12 participating franchises are Bengaluru Blasters, Chennai
The 12 participating franchises are Bengaluru Blasters, Chennai Striker Kings, Golden Eagles Delhi, Gujarat Gladiators, Indore Hawks, Mumbai Kings, Mumbai Sobo Stars, Pagariya Strikers Maharashtra, Pune Peshwas, Rajasthan Rajvansh, RDB Monarch Bengal Indians, and SLJ Royals Hyderabad.
Oswal, who is also a stakeholder in the Mumbai Kings franchise, supported the lasting appeal of T20 cricket despite the rise of shorter formats such as T10.
“T20 is going to be there. People say T10 will take over but that’s a very quick-fire game. You need at least 20 overs for a game to watch and enjoy. I think T20 is not going anywhere else. Except T10 or shorter format, sports are coming but they will be for fun. They cannot be international sports for countries. This is my belief. The way young kids are playing, that itself shows there is so much of talent and kids are so serious about the sports,” he commented.
The JITO Premier League aims to provide a competitive platform for cricketers, develop young talent, and build a professionally managed sporting ecosystem. The league’s first season in Colombo will conclude on September 5.
Source: thenewsmill.com
