Hello Mumbai Sports Desk New
The SPL Cricket Tournament is back, and this time it has a new name and a whole new identity. Organizers have officially announced that the second edition will now be called SPL Bharat Cup 2027. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Constitution Club of Rajasthan in Jaipur.
What started as an initiative to give Indian youth a real opportunity through cricket, while instilling discipline, character, and a sense of responsibility toward the nation, is now entering a bigger and more competitive phase. The tournament is scheduled to be held from February to March 2027.
The event was held under the guidance of Chief Patron Pandit Devkinandan Thakur and was attended by several respected names from the cricketing world. Founder Vijay Sharma, Tournament Commissioner and 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal, Chief Advisor Sumendra Tiwari, Strategic Advisor Ajay Bhatiwal, Chief of Cricket Operations Sanjeev Mishra, and Secretary Yogesh Sharma were all present during the announcement.
A Format Built to Raise the Bar
After the encouraging response to the first season, the organizers have decided to raise the standard of the competition. The biggest change is that matches will now be played in a T12 format using synthetic leather balls, replacing the tennis-ball format used in the inaugural edition. According to the organizers, this shift will help players improve their technical skills while giving the tournament a more authentic and competitive feel.
Players between the ages of 14 and 35 will be eligible to participate. The tournament will feature eight teams, each representing a different Indian state and named after a historical icon who inspired the nation:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Warriors (Maharashtra)
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Lions (Gujarat)
Sardar Bhagat Singh Brigade (Punjab)
Rani Lakshmibai Strikers (Uttar Pradesh)
Ahilya Mata Guardians (Madhya Pradesh)
Samrat Ashok Lions (Delhi)
Chandrashekhar Azad Sena (Uttarakhand)
Maharana Pratap Ranbankure (Rajasthan), the defending champions from the first edition
Selection Will Be More Transparent This Time
One of the biggest talking points of the announcement was the revamped player selection process. The organizers have promised a much more transparent and fair selection process this season.
Trials will be held in different cities across India, with details regarding registration, venues, and trial dates to be announced in October 2026.
Following the trials, an auction pool of 250 players will be created. Out of these, 50 players will earn direct spots based on their outstanding performances in the inaugural edition, while the remaining 200 players will be shortlisted through nationwide trials by the selection committee.
From this pool, the eight franchises will select a total of 128 players through an official auction, with 16 players in each squad. Before the auction, players will be divided into three categories based on their potential and previous performances. Category A players will have a base value of ₹75,000, Category B players ₹50,000, and Category C players ₹25,000. According to the organizers, the objective is to reward strong performances while giving young cricketers the financial encouragement they deserve.
Prize Money Gets a Major Boost
This edition also features a significantly larger prize pool. The winning team will receive ₹31 lakh, while the runners-up will take home ₹21 lakh.
In addition, the Player of the Series will be awarded a car, while the Best Batter and Best Bowler will each receive a motorbike.
What the Organizers Had to Say
Chief Patron Pandit Devkinandan Thakur spoke about how sports go far beyond winning and losing.
“Sports are not limited to winning and losing. They are a powerful medium for developing discipline, character, dedication to the nation, and a sense of service toward society among young people. The aim of the SPL Bharat Cup is not only to provide a platform for cricketing talent but also to nurture responsible youth who inspire society through their conduct and performance.”
He further added:
“The commitment to connecting sports with social service, which began in the first edition, will be expanded further in the second edition. I am confident that this tournament will provide a positive direction to millions of young people across the country while strengthening India’s sporting culture.”
Tournament Commissioner Madan Lal, a member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, highlighted the vast untapped talent in the country’s villages and small towns. He said:
“Talent can give you a start, but discipline and hard work are what keep you successful for a long time. Do not be afraid of defeat. Defeat teaches you valuable lessons, while victory brings responsibility.”
Founder Vijay Sharma said:
“Our goal is not just to identify talented cricketers but to provide opportunities to players who dream of representing India. Promoting discipline, character, and a sense of responsibility toward the nation through sports remains our highest priority.”
A Quick Look Back at Season One
The inaugural edition of the SPL tournament was held in March 2026 and received an encouraging response from both players and fans. Maharana Pratap Ranbankure from Rajasthan lifted the trophy in the debut season.
The closing ceremony was attended by former India cricketers Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla, Praveen Kumar, Mohit Sharma, and Pankaj Singh, adding further excitement and credibility to the tournament.
With a fresh identity, a faster T12 format, a much bigger prize pool, and a more transparent player selection process, the SPL Bharat Cup 2027 looks set to become one of India’s most exciting grassroots cricket tournaments, offering young cricketers a genuine opportunity to make a name for themselves and, one day, wear the India jersey.
