The Indian sporting calendar is buzzing with anticipation as two trailblazing leagues prepare to take center stage: the Archery Premier League (APL), set for its grand inaugural season in New Delhi, and the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), gearing up for a blockbuster third edition in Surat. Both leagues, announced on September 28, 2025, are poised to redefine their respective sports with bold formats, elite talent, and a vision to inspire the next generation of athletes.
First up, all eyes turn to the Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhi, where the Archery Premier League will debut from October 2 to 12, 2025. The timing is no coincidence; the APL’s launch coincides with Dussehra, a festival deeply rooted in Indian culture and closely associated with the sport’s mythological heritage. As the league’s Director, Anil Kamineni, put it, “There couldn't be a more symbolic day than Dussehra to launch the APL, a festival rooted in Indian culture. The Archery Premier League is more than just a league; it's a celebration of India's legacy, aligned with the vision of Olympic glory.”
The APL’s format is as ambitious as its cultural aspirations. Six teams—Prithviraj Yodhas (Delhi), Mighty Marathas (Maharashtra), Kakatiya Knights (Telangana), Rajputana Royals (Rajasthan), Chero Archers (Jharkhand), and Chola Chiefs (Tamil Nadu)—will compete in two round-robin phases from October 2 to 11. Every team faces off in a packed schedule of late-evening matches, ensuring archery fans are treated to a festival of skill and nerves. The top teams will then battle it out in the semi-finals and final on October 12, where the first-ever APL champion will be crowned.
But what sets the APL apart isn’t just its format or timing—it’s the caliber of talent on display. Indian archery stars Deepika Kumari and Jyothi Surekha Vennam headline a roster that also features international luminaries like World No. 1s Mike Schloesser and Andrea Becerra, and Olympians Brady Ellison and Alejandra Valencia. This blend of homegrown and global excellence promises to elevate the competition to new heights, while also providing Indian fans with a rare chance to witness the world’s best on their home turf.
The league’s structure is designed to maximize excitement and opportunity. Round Robin 1 takes place from October 2 to 6, with every team squaring off. Round Robin 2, from October 7 to 11, repeats the format, ensuring no shortage of high-stakes clashes. The knockout stages on October 12 will determine which team etches its name in history as the inaugural APL champion. The event’s exclusive New Delhi setting, combined with its cultural showcases and entertainment, signals a new era for Indian archery—one where tradition and modern sporting spectacle go hand in hand.
Meanwhile, the ISPL is preparing for its most ambitious season yet. From January 9 to February 6, 2026, Surat will host the third edition of India’s pioneering tennis-ball T10 cricket league. After two wildly successful seasons, the ISPL is expanding in every direction—bigger squads, more prize money, and a star-studded lineup of team owners that reads like a who’s who of Indian cinema. The eight franchises now include two newcomers: Ahmedabad, owned by Ajay Devgn, and Delhi, owned by Salman Khan. They join a galaxy of Bollywood royalty—Amitabh Bachchan (Majhi Mumbai), Saif Ali Khan & Kareena Kapoor Khan (Tiigers of Kolkata), Akshay Kumar (Srinagar Ke Veer), Suriya (Chennai Singams), Hrithik Roshan (Bangalore Strikers), and Ram Charan (Falcon Risers Hyderabad).
The league’s player pool has exploded, with a staggering 4.3 million registrations ahead of the new season—a testament to the ISPL’s resonance with India’s cricket-loving youth. Each team now boasts a squad of 18, with at least two under-19 players, ensuring a pipeline for grassroots talent. The team purse has also been bumped up by 50% to ₹1.5 crore, giving franchises more firepower to build competitive lineups. Trials kick off on October 5, 2025, across 101 cities, opening the doors to aspiring cricketers nationwide.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing development is the MVP award: the tournament’s standout player will drive away in a brand-new Porsche 911. League Commissioner Suraj Samat explained, “In just three seasons, we've evolved from a bold idea into a movement that's redefining the grassroots sports ecosystem in India. The introduction of the Porsche 911 as the MVP Award is more than just a headline; it's a message. Much like when Ravi Shastri won an Audi for his performance in 1985, this is about inspiring players to dream big and push their limits. We want every youngster watching or playing in ISPL to believe that world-class rewards are within their reach if they bring passion, discipline, and performance to the game.”
ISPL’s impact on Indian cricket is already visible. The league has produced breakout stars like Abhishek Dalhor, Sagar Ali, Rajat Mundhe, Ketan Mhatre, Jagannath Sarkar, and Fardeen Kazi—players who have captured the imagination of fans and scouts alike. With the unveiling of official group draws and the launch of its documentary “Rise of ISPL,” the league is chronicling its meteoric rise from local streets to national stadiums. Looking forward, a Zonal Institution and selection tournament will debut in Season 4, providing even more structured opportunities for young cricketers to shine.
Sachin Tendulkar, a core committee member of the ISPL, summed up the league’s mission: “ISPL has evolved beyond being just a league; it has become a movement that is changing the way we identify and nurture cricketing talent in India. With Season 3, the league is expanding its reach, creating even more opportunities for players to showcase their skills on a national stage. This expansion strengthens the foundation of grassroots cricket and I'm confident that the impact will be felt across the country.”
Both the APL and ISPL are more than just sporting events—they are cultural milestones, blending tradition with innovation and providing platforms for India’s best and brightest to shine. Whether it’s the precision and poise of archery or the raw energy of street cricket, fans are in for a treat as these leagues usher in a new era for Indian sport.
With the APL set to fire its opening arrows in New Delhi and the ISPL ready to bowl over Surat, the coming months promise a feast of competition, drama, and dreams realized. As these leagues prepare to make history, one thing’s certain: Indian sports will never be the same again.
