The Chambal Ghariyals (alligators) are the newest team to join the mushrooming Madhya Pradesh state T20 league, as the town will soon field teams in both men and women at the June 12 beginning tournament.
In its second edition, the MP league which was a roaring success in its first year, has expanded to include teams from Chambal and Bundelkhand. The Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) is set to return for its latest season, commencing June 12 with matches being held in Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Shankarpur, Gwalior.
The onset and advance of monsoons and delay in the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (), forced a relocation from Indore to Gwalior, which hosted the first edition last year. Originally, the league was set to commence on May 27 in Indore, aligning with the IPL’s earlier scheduled conclusion on May 25. Plenty of IPL stars are products of the local MP league and expected to turn out for their teams.
Organised by Gwalior Division Cricket Association (GDCA) of MP Cricket Association, the men’s competition, which featured five teams last season, has been expanded to seven, with the inclusion of teams from the Bundelkhand and Chambal regions. Both Bundelkhand Bulls and Chambal Ghariyals will have both men’s and women’s teams.
Other men’s teams include Gwalior Cheetahs, Leopards, Jabalpur Royal Lions, Rewa Jaguars and Indore Pink Panthers, while the third women’s team is Bhopal Wolves.
Big stars to turn out in MPPL are , Saransh Jain, Kuldeep Sen, Arshad Khan, Venkatesh Iyer, Kumar Kartikeya and bigly Rajat Patidar.
A press release quoted Mahanaaryaman Scindia, the MP cricket chief, saying, “Gwalior holds a special place in the hearts of our players and fans, and we are thrilled to return here. With two new men’s teams and the introduction of our inaugural Women’s League, we’re proud to expand opportunities for talent across Madhya Pradesh.
Speaking about the date and tournament, Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) CEO Ravi Patankar said, “We are pleased to confirm that all logistical preparations for the venue shift have been successfully completed. With the new start date firmly in place, we look forward to delivering an exciting and seamless tournament for players and fans alike.”
The jersey unveiling ceremony will also take place in Gwalior on May 27. This season will witness the launch of a Women’s Cricket League, which will be held alongside the men’s matches. The inaugural women’s competition will feature three teams, including one representing the capital city of Bhopal, though there is much curiosity about the Chambal and Bundelkhand sides.
