The launch event was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Sanjay Naik (Vice President, Mumbai Cricket Association), Aakash Chopra (Former Cricketer & Renowned Commentator), Nikhil Chopra (Former Cricketer & Renowned Commentator), former Indian cricketer Parvinder Awana, Anil Chaudhury (International Umpire & Renowned Commentator), and Jayveer Shah (Commissioner, Saurashtra Premier League).

Gaurav Sachdeva, Founder of the league, shared his vision for the tournament, stating, “Our mission is to create a platform where emerging cricket talent gets the recognition it deserves. The WTPL T10 is not just a tournament; it’s a celebration of cricket.”

The event also included the launch of the league’s teaser and the felicitation of the esteemed guests. Speaking on the occasion, Rohit Bawri, Founder of WTPL, emphasized that the league is more than just about cricket. “It is not just about cricket, but an opportunity for young players to express themselves. Playing with the pink ball will be visually exciting and will act as a platform for budding cricketers.”

Aakash Chopra added, “There are superstars in tennis ball cricket who make you go wow. If you put those kids in front of professional cricketers, even with a cricket ball, they might beat the professionals. Cricket must grow, and tennis ball cricket provides opportunities to everyone.”

The WTPL T10 league is set to be hosted at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat, tentatively scheduled for May-June 2025. It will feature 10 teams: Rajasthan Kings, Bombay Bullets, Delhi Dynamos, Haryana Stallions, Punjab Royals, Chennai Strikers, Kolkata Warriors, Pune Falcons, Gujarat Jaguars, and UP Thunderbolts.

The tournament will consist of 28 matches, including 25 league games, two semi-finals, and one grand final. With high-octane cricket and the promise of showcasing emerging talent, the WTPL is set to offer an exciting new chapter for tennis ball cricket in India.

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India, with a remarkable record of eight titles in ten editions, is the most successful team in the tournament’s history. Known for their strong pool of young talent, India heads into the competition as favorites, followed by Pakistan, another dominant force in youth cricket. The much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan on November 30 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to be a highlight of the event.

The Indian team, led by Uttar Pradesh’s Mohammed Amaan, features several promising players. Among them is 13-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, recently selected by Rajasthan Royals for the IPL, and 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, a standout performer in Mumbai’s domestic cricket circuit. Other key players include Tamil Nadu’s C. Andre Siddarth, Kerala’s leg-spinner Mohammed Enaan, and Karnataka’s Hardik Raj and Samarth Nagaraj.

Bangladesh, the defending champions, come into the tournament with momentum, having won the 2023 title with a resounding 195-run victory over the UAE. Sri Lanka, another formidable contender, adds to the competitive field, which also includes teams from Afghanistan, Nepal, Japan, and the UAE.

Sony Sports Network will broadcast the event for the first time, marking a milestone in ACC’s coverage. Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer at Sony Pictures Networks India, stated, “We are committed to delivering exceptional coverage of the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2024, highlighting the promising young talent from across Asia, especially Team India.”

With fierce rivalries, exciting young talents, and a platform for future cricket stars, the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2024 promises an exhilarating three days of cricket action.

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