JETSYNTHESYS’ GLOBAL E-CRICKET PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 2 KICKS OFF IN BENGALURU AS YOUNG INDIA BACKS THE RISE OF ESPORTS

~ Day 1 of GEPL Season 2 featured four high-energy matches, including a double header for the home team Bengaluru Badgers and Mumbai Grizzlies ~

Bangalore, April 27, 2025: Season 2 of the highly anticipated Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL) powered by JetSynthesys, a global leader in digital entertainment and technology, got underway at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru, marking the first time that the Garden City has hosted the league’s national launch. Conceptualised and developed by JetSynthesys, GEPL has swiftly evolved into one of India’s most structured and franchise-led esports properties — bringing together the nation’s cricketing fervour and the dynamism of competitive gaming.

This season features six city-based franchises, each backed by prominent names from India’s entrepreneurial and entertainment ecosystem:

Mumbai Grizzlies – Owned by Ms. Sara Tendulkar, entrepreneur and philanthropist
Delhi Sharks – Owned by Mr. Peyush Bansal, Founder & CEO, Lenskart
Bengaluru Badgers – Co-owned by Mr. Nikhil Kamath (Co-founder, Zerodha & True Beacon), Mr. Ankit Nagori (Founder, Curefoods), and Mr. Prashant Prakash (Founding Partner, Accel India)
Chennai Falcons – Co-owned by Mr. Gopal Srinivasan (Chairman, TVS Capital Funds), Mr. Madhusudanan R (Founder, YAP), and Mr. Arjun Santhanakrishnan (Investor & Entrepreneur)
Hyderabad Rhinos – Owned by Mr. Amit Mehta, Director, LNB Group
Pune Stallions – Owned by Mr. Suniel Shetty, actor and investor
The opening day witnessed strong on-ground participation from league stakeholders, including JetSynthesys Founder & CEO Mr. Rajan Navani, and franchise owners Ms. Sara Tendulkar, Mr. Prashant Prakash, Mr. Ankit Nagori, Mr. Amit Mehta, and Mr. Gopal Srinivasan — underlining the growing investor confidence in India’s esports landscape.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Rajan Navani said, “GEPL reflects our commitment to building structured and scalable formats that bring India’s video gaming and sports cultures together. With Bengaluru hosting the opening for the first time and some of the country’s most credible business minds backing the league, Season 2 is a leap forward in making esports more mainstream, aspirational, and commercially viable.”

Expressing her excitement, Ms. Sara Tendulkar, owner of the Mumbai franchise said, “Cricket is deeply personal for me — it’s in our family’s DNA, a thread that ties generations together. I’ve seen how sport can inspire, unite, and empower. With GEPL, I see the future — a bold, digital frontier of cricket that reflects how today’s youth connect, compete, and create communities. I want to play my part in powering this ecosystem, where young Indians not only engage as fans but also explore exciting new career avenues.”

As a co-owner of the home team (Bengaluru Badgers), Mr. Prashant Prakash pointed to the potential of e-cricket to create national icons: “GEPL has the potential to give us the Dhoni or Virat Kohli of e-cricket — individuals who can inspire pride, followership, and global recognition.”

Highlighting the cultural relevance of Bengaluru co-owner Mr. Ankit Nagori added, “Bengaluru is at the intersection of talent, technology, and youth culture. Supporting an esports team here felt instinctive — this is where the future of fan engagement is heading.”

From an investor’s lens, Mr. Gopal Srinivasan (co-owner Chennai Falcons) said, “GEPL is a meaningful step toward building a sustainable, investable esports ecosystem in India. The league’s format and quality of participation make it an exciting platform for both business and talent.”

Mr. Amit Mehta (owner Hyderabad Rhinos), who has long championed digital-first ventures, noted, “I’ve always believed in platforms that amplify young voices. GEPL gives rising esports athletes a real shot at visibility, reward, and community recognition.”

Mr. Rohit Potphode, CEO, GEPL added, “The energy and enthusiasm we witnessed on the opening day of GEPL Season 2 was truly phenomenal. From the electric atmosphere to the incredible response from fans, players, and team owners—it was a powerful reminder of how far the league has come. This season is all about taking e-cricket to the next level, and today’s kickoff has set the perfect tone for the days ahead. We’re excited for what’s to come.”

Day 1 of GEPL Season 2 featured four high-energy matches, including a double header for the home team Bengaluru Badgers and Mumbai Grizzlies. The tournament will be streamed live on JioHotstar and broadcast across the country on Star Sports, delivering the thrill of e-cricket to millions of fans across India.

Season 2 of GEPL marks a major milestone in the league’s evolution, with player registrations soaring from 2 lakh in Season 1 to over 9.1 lakh this year — a phenomenal fivefold surge. The upcoming edition raises the bar with enhanced league dynamics, elite talent, and next-level action powered by Real Cricket 24.

This season will feature 34 high-intensity matches and an upgraded prize pool of ₹3.05 crore (up from ₹2.51 crore), as GEPL continues to blur the lines between traditional cricket and cutting-edge esports through its immersive gameplay and franchise-based team format.