IJPL to get underway in Dubai without sanctioning from BCCI

The Indian Junior Premier League (IJPL) T20 is all set to be played in Dubai in late September this year. The T20 league will be a franchise based T20 competition with teams based on the names of the Indian cities. The tournament will commence on September 19 and conclude on 29th September. As many as 16 teams will be participating in the tournament.

The teams are – Gujarat Greats, Kolkata Strikers, Bangalore Stars, Assam Rangers, Pune Panthers, Delhi Dashers, Ranchi Boosters, Punjab Tigers, Dehradun Rockers, UP Heroes, Hyderabad Hawks, Chennai Champs, Rajasthan Roarers, Mumbai Masters, MP Warriors, and Haryana Hurricanes.

However, as per the recent reports in Sportskeeda, the IJPL tournament has not been given a sanction from the BCCI. The Director of the tournament, Sampat Rai, noted that they tried getting the sanction from the BCCI but failed to get a reply from the Indian cricket board.

“We had sought BCCI permission but we have not yet received any reply from them. Also I don’t think BCCI will have any objection as this is a platform through which we are trying to promote talent,” quoted IJPL director Sampat Rai.

Big names linked to the league

Meanwhile the tournament, the IJPL, has a lot of big names associated to it. It is an U16 franchise based league that will have as many as 240 players on the roster. These 240 players have been shortlisted after a nation wide talent hunt of over 55,000 players. Veteran Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir is also associated with the tournament in the capacity of the brand ambassador.

“I’m delighted to be part of the IJPL T20 which is a unique platform for youngsters in India to showcase their talent and get into the limelight during the conduct of the League. I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes to each of the 240 players,” Gambhir was quoted as saying in a press release.

Among the Bollywood flavor, Arbaaz Khan is the owner of the Mumbai Masters franchise. Also, Rajeev Khandelwal is the owner of the Rajasthan Roarers. The prize money set for the tournament if INR 21 Lakh.