The World Pickleball League features six teams and will begin from January 24th
Matches to be played in the Brabourne Stadium.
The League to debut with Maharashtra Derby followed immediately by Southern Derby | Full Schedule Announced
Mumbai, 14th January, 2025: The World Pickleball League (WPBL), India’s first franchise-based Pickleball league, is set to make history at Mumbai’s iconic Brabourne Stadium Cricket Club of India (CCI) stadium. Beginning January 24th, 2025, the league becomes the first non-cricket sporting tournament to be held on CCI’s renowned cricket ground in over 15 years.
Established in 1933, the Cricket Club of India stands as an enduring symbol of India’s rich sporting heritage. Known for hosting historic matches and nurturing legends, its Brabourne Stadium is celebrated as one of the most picturesque venues in the country, blending timeless elegance with sporting excellence.
Co-founded by former Indian tennis players Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the World Pickleball League brings together six dynamic teams with ownership spanning respected corporate leaders and beloved celebrities. Powered by PNG Jewellers, the league promises a unique blend of sports and entertainment, redefining fan engagement.
Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder of WPBL, expressed his pride in the venue, stated, “To witness the season 1 of the World Pickleball League unfold at a location where my father became the first non-cricketer inducted into the Legends Club is truly an honor. The CCI represents credibility and iconism, standing as the crown jewel of Mumbai’s sporting landmarks. Hosting the league on Brabourne Stadium adds stature to the league. With its central location, deep emotional connection with fans, and the plans we have for the league, we are confident in delivering an unforgettable in-stadium experience, paired with unparalleled sportainment for our audience.”
Madhumati Lele Shrivastava, President of CCI, extended her support, said, “We are delighted to welcome the World Pickleball League as it hosts its inaugural season at CCI. We thank Gaurav and Arati for choosing CCI as their venue and assure them of our full support. The WPBL masterfully combines sports and entertainment, creating a league that will be loved by audiences across boundaries and age groups. The recent success of the WPC, where WPBL was a Powered by Partner, demonstrated the growing excitement around Pickleball, and we are confident the league will be a grand success.”
Beyond cricket, the CCI has evolved into a vibrant cultural and sporting hub, offering world-class facilities and fostering a strong sense of community among its members and sports enthusiasts alike.
WPBL Schedule:
Match No. | Date | Match |
1 | 24th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Pune United |
2 | 24th January | Bengaluru Jawans vs Chennai Super Champs |
3 | 25th January | Bengaluru Jawans vs Hyderabad Superstars |
4 | 25th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Dilli Dillwale |
5 | 26th January | Chennai Super Champs vs Dilli Dillwale |
6 | 26th January | Hyderabad Superstars vs Pune United |
7 | 27th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Hyderabad Superstars |
8 | 27th January | Bengaluru Jawans vs Pune United |
9 | 28th January | Bengaluru Jawans vs Dilli Dillwale |
10 | 28th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Chennai Super Champs |
11 | 29th January | Chennai Super Champs vs Pune United |
12 | 29th January | Hyderabad Superstars vs Dilli Dillwale |
13 | 30th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Bengaluru Jawans |
14 | 30th January | Dilli Dillwale vs Pune United |
15 | 31st January | Hyderabad Superstars vs Chennai Super Champs |
16 | 1st February | Semi-final 1: 1st placed Team Vs 4th placed Team |
17 | 1st February | Semi-final 1: 2nd placed Team Vs 3rd placed Team |
18 | 2nd February | Finals |
About the World Pickleball League (WPBL)
The World Pickleball League (WPBL), promoted by Natekar Sports and Gaming, founded by former India Number 1 Tennis players, Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, is at the forefront of revolutionizing pickleball in India. WPBL is dedicated to transforming pickleball through exceptional events, engaging fan experiences, and fostering a vibrant pickleball community while setting new standards for the sport. Set to debut in January 2025 with six teams, WPBL will also sponsor grassroots tournaments in each franchise city to develop local talent. With Sony Corporation as an investor and partner, WPBL works closely with the All-India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which is affiliated with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) in the USA.
For more information, visit www.wpbl.org or follow us on social media:
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