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ISPL-recognised zonal panel to govern tennis-ball cricketing activity
in respective regions, ensuring a structured pathway for talent
Mumbai, September 05, 2025: In a landmark move for tennis-ball cricket in India, the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), country’s pioneering tennis-ball T10 cricket league, has announced an official League Affiliation Model and Zonal Panel Structure, creating a clear and structured pathway – a national competitive framework – from grassroots cricket to national recognition under the ISPL umbrella.
The introduction of the zonal panel structure and official league affiliation model marks a significant evolution in ISPL’s leadership and talent development strategy. By decentralising governance through eight regionally empowered panels, the ISPL ensures that grassroots talent is systematically identified, nurtured and integrated into the national ecosystem. This framework will also offer equal opportunities and consistent evaluation across zones. With clear progression routes and performance-based metrics, ISPL reinforces its commitment to ensuring no talent goes unnoticed, setting a new benchmark in organised, inclusive development of the sport in India.
ISPL will now operate through eight zonal panels, covering each region such as West, North, East, South-East, South-Central, South-West, North-West and Central-North. Each zone will have an officially recognised ISPL Panel (or Federation) responsible for governing cricketing activity in that region.
Franchise owners of ISPL teams will serve as the De facto Chairperson of their respective zonal panels, bringing both experience and investment to regional cricket development. Each panel will be supported by local tournament representatives, player development and scouting heads and operations teams.
- West (Majhi Mumbai): Maharashtra, Goa and Madhya Pradesh
- North (Srinagar Ke Veer): Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana
- East (Tiigers of Kolkata): West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur
- South-East (Chennai Singams): Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry
- South-Central (Falcon Risers Hyderabad): Telangana, inland Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
- South-West (Bangalore Strikers): Karnataka and Kerala
- North-West (Ahmedabad): Gujarat and Rajasthan
- Central-North (Delhi): Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
Tournaments across the country can now apply for affiliation through the ISPL website or application. Once affiliated, tournaments will gain access to ISPL branding, systems and player development pathways, making them integral parts of the national scouting network. An affiliation fee, scaled based on a tournament’s operational history, ensures inclusivity and standardization.
Players can only enter the ISPL ecosystem by registering with their respective Zonal Panel/Federation through affiliated tournaments. Each player will be graded using a detailed performance-based point system, which will determine their eligibility for the ISPL Auction Pool starting Season 4. Direct player registrations will no longer be accepted post-Season 3.
“Identifying talent at the grassroots is the first step to building a strong future for the game. With ISPL’s new national framework, players from every corner of India now have a clear pathway to nurture their skills and showcase their talent on a bigger stage. This structure ensures every player gets a fair chance to be noticed and progress, turning their love for the game into real opportunities at the national level.” – said Sachin Tendulkar, ISPL Core Committee Member.
“Establishing robust structures within sports is essential to strengthening the entire sporting ecosystem and ensuring sustainable growth. The ISPL’s comprehensive zonal panel model sets a high benchmark not only for tennis-ball cricket but also for sporting economies across the country. By promoting transparency, accountability and regional development, ISPL is laying a solid foundation that will elevate the sport and empower aspiring athletes nationwide,” said Ashish Shelar, ISPL Core Committee Member.
“The Indian Street Premier League’s remarkable growth is a testament to the immense passion for tennis-ball cricket across the nation. By implementing a rigorous and competitive framework, we are committed to identifying and nurturing emerging talent while strengthening the broader cricketing ecosystem. This structured approach ensures a sustainable future for the sport and reinforces ISPL’s role as a catalyst for inclusive development and professional excellence,” said Suraj Samat, ISPL League Commissioner and Core Committee Member.
“We are creating more than just a league — we are building a movement that empowers every player at the grassroots. This initiative is about unlocking potential and giving every young player a real opportunity to shine. Together, we are transforming the landscape of tennis-ball cricket, making it more accessible, and inspiring for generations to come,” said Minal Amol Kale, ISPL Core Committee Member.
