Adventurous Sporting Indian SoftBall Cricket League Franchise Cost – How to get, Contact, Apply, Fee

Indian Softball Cricket League (ISCL): Redefining Grassroots Cricket in India

Cricket is more than a sport in India—it is a shared passion, a way of life, and a cultural identity. While the glamorous world of international and domestic professional cricket garners headlines, the backbone of Indian cricket lies in the streets, villages, and small towns, where millions of aspiring players play daily using tennis balls and makeshift pitches.

Recognizing the untapped potential of this grassroots movement, the Indian Softball Cricket League (ISCL) was born. The ISCL is India’s first professionally organized, interstate tennis ball cricket league, built with the vision of transforming local street cricket into a structured, competitive, and career-defining platform.

With 32 franchises representing all 28 states and 8 Union Territories of India, ISCL not only democratizes cricket but also provides a stage where raw talent can shine and be recognized.

The Birth of ISCL

For decades, tennis ball cricket has been the training ground for budding cricketers in India. From small lanes in metropolitan cities to open fields in rural villages, this format has shaped countless players, teaching them quick reflexes, innovative strokes, and adaptability.

However, despite its popularity, tennis ball cricket has often been dismissed as recreational rather than professional. The ISCL changes this perception by introducing a professional structure, franchise system, media coverage, sponsorship opportunities, and player recognition—making tennis ball cricket a legitimate competitive sport.

The league was conceptualized with three core objectives:

1. Spotlight Grassroots Talent – Give street and rural cricketers a chance to play in front of a national audience.
2. Promote Inclusivity – Represent every state and union territory, ensuring equal opportunities.
3. Create Pathways – Build a bridge between local cricket and professional formats like state-level and IPL-style tournaments.

Structure of the League

1. Franchises

• A total of 32 teams, each representing one Indian state or union territory.
• Franchises are owned by businesses, sports associations, celebrities, or cricket enthusiasts.
• Teams carry the identity, culture, and spirit of their region, creating a pan-India rivalry with local flavor.

2. Tournament Format

• Group Stage: Teams are divided into groups, competing in round-robin matches.
• Knockouts: Top teams advance to quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.
• Match Format: Each game follows a 20-over tennis ball format (similar to T20 but faster-paced).
• Venues: Matches are hosted across multiple cities, ensuring regional participation and local fan engagement.

3. Players

• Talent Hunt & Trials conducted in every state and union territory.
• Open for aspiring cricketers, street players, and semi-professionals.
• Player Auctions/Drafts allow franchises to build balanced squads.
• Teams consist of local players, marquee players, and emerging youngsters.

4. Support Staff

• Coaches, physiotherapists, trainers, and mentors for professional grooming.
• Former domestic and international cricketers are invited as mentors to guide young talent.

Unique Features of ISCL

1. India’s First Professional Tennis Ball League
   – Brings structure and recognition to the most widely played grassroots cricket format.
2. Representation of Every Region
   – Unlike other leagues, ISCL ensures all states and UTs have equal representation.
3. Talent Beyond Metro Cities
   – Focus on rural and small-town players who often lack exposure.
4. Affordable and Accessible
   – Tennis ball cricket requires minimal infrastructure, making it highly inclusive.
5. Fast-Paced Entertainment
   – Shorter formats and unique tennis ball dynamics guarantee thrilling matches.

The Vision Behind ISCL

The ISCL is more than just a league—it is a movement to change Indian cricket at the grassroots.

• For Players: It creates career opportunities and gives visibility to talented youngsters.
• For Fans: It provides thrilling cricketing entertainment rooted in familiarity, since millions have grown up playing tennis ball cricket.
• For Sponsors & Investors: It opens a new sporting market with mass appeal.
• For India: It represents the diverse spirit of the nation through cricket.

The Journey of a Player in ISCL

1. Local Trials: Open selections held in towns and cities.
2. Regional Camps: Shortlisted players undergo skill assessment.
3. Franchise Draft/Auction: Selected players are picked by state franchises.
4. League Matches: Players compete in front of live audiences, scouts, and media.
5. Recognition & Growth: Standout performers may receive sponsorships, scholarships, or chances to move into professional cricket.

Cultural Representation

Each ISCL team is designed to carry the essence of its state/UT, with:

• Team Names & Logos inspired by local culture, wildlife, or heritage.
• Team Jerseys reflecting regional colors and motifs.
• Cheer Squads & Music showcasing folk traditions.

This creates regional pride and local fan bases, similar to the IPL model but at a grassroots level.

The Role of Technology in ISCL

The ISCL leverages modern technology to reach the masses:

• Live Streaming Platforms: Matches broadcast on digital apps and social media.
• Data & Analytics: Player stats and match analytics help coaches and scouts.
• Fan Engagement: Fantasy cricket, live voting, and social media campaigns.
• Mobile App: Dedicated ISCL app for updates, fixtures, scores, and player profiles.

Economic Impact

The ISCL contributes to India’s sports economy in multiple ways:

• Employment Generation: Players, coaches, staff, organizers, broadcasters.
• Business Opportunities: Merchandising, sponsorships, ticketing, local vendors.
• Tourism Boost: Matches hosted in tier-2 and tier-3 cities encourage local travel and hospitality.

Social Impact

1. Youth Empowerment: Provides opportunities to youngsters without access to professional cricket academies.
2. Gender Inclusivity: Future editions may feature women’s ISCL leagues.
3. Community Development: Local matches bring communities together, fostering unity and pride.
4. Anti-Drug & Fitness Campaigns: Encourages youth to take up sports instead of unhealthy alternatives.

Comparison with Other Leagues

• IPL: Elite professional league featuring international stars.
• Ranji Trophy: Traditional domestic format for first-class cricket.
• ISCL: Unique as it targets grassroots players with tennis ball cricket, democratizing opportunities at the most accessible level.

Challenges Ahead

1. Perception Issues – Changing the mindset that tennis ball cricket is “casual.”
2. Sponsorships – Convincing brands to invest in a new league.
3. Infrastructure – Creating quality venues across regions.
4. Sustainability – Ensuring long-term financial viability.

Roadmap for the Future

• Women’s ISCL League – Promoting gender equality.
• Junior ISCL – U-16 and U-19 categories to nurture early talent.
• International Expansion – Invite teams from South Asia, where tennis ball cricket thrives (Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal).
• Partnerships with BCCI/State Associations – To create a pipeline into mainstream cricket.
• Reality TV Show – A talent hunt series showcasing player journeys.

Case Study Example

Consider Ravi from Jharkhand, a 19-year-old who has only played local tennis ball tournaments. Despite his raw talent, he lacked exposure. Through ISCL trials, he is picked by the Jharkhand Jaguars franchise.

• He plays in front of national audiences, gains a fan following, and secures sponsorship from a sports brand.
• His performance catches the eye of scouts, leading to opportunities in higher-level cricket.
• ISCL transforms his life—from local street cricket to national recognition.

This is the power of ISCL: changing lives through cricket.

The Indian Softball Cricket League (ISCL) is a path-breaking initiative that celebrates the very foundation of Indian cricket—tennis ball cricket. By transforming an unorganized format into a professional, glamorous, and widely accessible league, ISCL ensures that every aspiring cricketer, no matter where they come from, gets a fair chance to shine.

With 32 franchises representing every corner of India, ISCL embodies the diversity, energy, and passion of the nation. It is not just about cricket—it is about opportunity, inclusivity, and empowerment.

As the league grows, it has the potential to become a global benchmark for grassroots sports transformation, turning local heroes into national icons and reminding the world that cricket in India truly belongs to everyone.

The ISCL is not just a league—it is a revolution.