by Cricket in India isn’t just played in stadiums—it thrives in narrow gullies, open grounds, and neighborhood parks where dreams are born with taped tennis balls and makeshift stumps.
The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) was created to honor exactly that spirit, giving everyday cricketers a pathway from local matches to national recognition.
ISPL Season 3 2026 promises to be the biggest edition yet. With eight teams, celebrity ownership, innovative rules, and a cricket-crazy nation watching, this tennis-ball T10 league is reshaping how India discovers and celebrates grassroots talent.
Scheduled from January 9 to February 6, 2026, in Surat, Gujarat, the upcoming season introduces two new franchises, fresh gameplay twists, and a Porsche 911 as the MVP prize.
ISPL Season 3 2026
For players who registered through trials across India and fans eager to witness raw talent shine under lights, ISPL represents more than entertainment—it’s a movement proving that passion and opportunity can rewrite destinies.
Let’s break down everything about ISPL Season 3: the schedule, teams, rules, trials, and why this tournament matters to Indian cricket’s future.
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What Makes ISPL Special?
The Indian Street Premier League isn’t trying to replace the IPL – it’s creating its own identity by focusing on tennis-ball cricket played in the high-octane T10 format.
Each match lasts roughly 90 minutes, making it perfect for fans who want quick, explosive cricket without sacrificing quality.
Unlike traditional cricket leagues, ISPL deliberately targets community players—those who’ve never held professional contracts but possess talent, discipline, and hunger to succeed.
The league uses tennis balls to level the playing field, allowing skill and strategy to dominate over pure power.
Celebrity ownership adds glamour. When Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, and others own teams, media attention follows.
But the real stars remain the players—young men from small towns and big cities alike, proving that cricket dreams don’t require pedigree, just persistence.
Since launching, ISPL has registered over 4.4 million players, conducted trials in hundreds of cities, and created success stories that inspire millions.
Season 3 expands this vision with better infrastructure, wider reach, and higher stakes.
ISPL Season 3 2026: Key Tournament Details
Before diving into specifics, here’s the essential information every fan needs:
Tournament Overview:
- Start Date: January 9, 2026
- End Date: February 6, 2026
- Venue: Surat, Gujarat
- Total Teams: 8 (including the new Delhi and Ahmedabad franchises)
- Format: T10 tennis-ball cricket
- Total Matches: 40 league stage matches
- MVP Prize: Porsche 911
- Official Site: ISPL-t10.com
The ISPL season 3 2026 venue choice of Surat makes strategic sense. Gujarat’s cricket infrastructure is world-class, and the city’s passion for the sport guarantees packed stadiums and an electric atmosphere.
The ISPL season 3 start date of January 9 positions the tournament perfectly—post-holiday season when cricket fans crave entertainment before international series resume.
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ISPL Season 3 Schedule: Match Timeline
The ISPL season 3 2026 schedule features 40 league matches spread across four intense weeks. Here’s a glimpse of key opening week fixtures:
| Date | Match | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| January 9 | Majhi Mumbai vs Team Delhi | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| January 10 | Srinagar Ke Veer vs Ahmedabad Lions | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
| January 10 | Tigers of Kolkata vs Chennai Singams | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| January 11 | Ahmedabad Lions vs Team Delhi | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
| January 11 | Falcon Risers Hyderabad vs Bengaluru Strikers | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| January 12 | Srinagar Ke Veer vs Majhi Mumbai | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
Most matches are scheduled in evening slots (5:30 PM or 8:00 PM), ensuring maximum viewership. The T10 format means matches finish within two hours, making them perfect for working professionals and families.
Double-headers on several dates keep the action continuous, with teams playing multiple times per week. This compressed schedule tests squad depth and management skills, making every team selection crucial.
ISPL Season 3 Teams and Celebrity Owners
ISPL Season 3 2026 expands from six to eight teams with the addition of franchises from Delhi and Ahmedabad. Here’s the complete team list with their star-studded ownership:
| Team Name | City | Celebrity Owner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Majhi Mumbai | Mumbai | Amitabh Bachchan |
| Srinagar Ke Veer | Srinagar | Akshay Kumar |
| Chennai Singams | Chennai | Suriya |
| Bengaluru Strikers | Bengaluru | Hrithik Roshan |
| Tigers of Kolkata | Kolkata | Saif Ali Khan & Kareena Kapoor Khan |
| Falcon Risers Hyderabad | Hyderabad | Ram Charan |
| Team Delhi | Delhi | Salman Khan |
| Ahmedabad Lions | Ahmedabad | Ajay Devgn |
Team Delhi and Ahmedabad Lions are the exciting new additions.
Salman Khan’s involvement with Delhi brings a massive fan following, while Ajay Devgn’s Ahmedabad franchise taps into Gujarat’s cricket-crazy population.
Each squad consists of 18 players, including at least two Under-19 cricketers.
This mandatory youth inclusion ensures younger talent gets exposure alongside experienced community cricketers.
Majhi Mumbai enters as defending champions after dominating Season 2 with nine wins in ten matches.
Other franchises are hungry to dethrone them, setting up intense rivalries from match one.
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ISPL Season 3 Trials: Finding India’s Hidden Gems
The ISPL season 3 registration process was the most extensive talent hunt in tennis-ball cricket history.
Over 4.4 million players registered across India, with selection committees traveling directly to players’ cities for evaluations.
The Home Trial System
Previous seasons required players to travel to central locations for trials, creating financial and logistical barriers.
Season 3 introduced “Home Trials,” where selectors visited players’ home cities, ensuring even hidden local talent got noticed.
This democratic approach meant cricketers from small towns didn’t need expensive travel or accommodation.
They could showcase skills on familiar grounds, reducing pressure and increasing comfort.
Selection Process:
- Initial registrations: 4.4 million+ players
- City-level trials: Over 100 cities covered
- Players shortlisted for auction: 450
- Final squad size per team: 18 players
The ISPL trial date 2026 schedule spanned several months before the season, with selectors evaluating batting technique, bowling variations, fielding ability, and mental temperament.
From those 450 shortlisted players, franchises built squads through auctions held in Surat. Teams strategically balanced power-hitters, steady batsmen, wicket-taking bowlers, and reliable fielders.
New Rules That Make ISPL Season 3 Unpredictable
ISPL continuously innovates gameplay to keep matches exciting. 2026 ISPL Season 3 introduces several fresh rules that add drama and unpredictability:
- 1. Tip-Top Toss
Forget traditional coin tosses. Captains stand heel-to-toe, walking toward each other until one steps on the other’s foot. The first to do so wins the toss. It’s theatrical, fun, and perfectly suited to ISPL’s street cricket roots.
- 2. Tape-Ball Overs
Two overs per innings must be bowled with a tape ball instead of a regular tennis ball. Tape balls bounce higher and move unpredictably, challenging batsmen’s timing and technique.
- 3. Nine Street Runs
If a batsman hits the ball into the crowd, the team earns nine runs instead of six. This rule rewards big hitting while engaging spectators directly in match action.
- 4. 50/50 Challenge
Teams can challenge any over, predicting a minimum run target (at least 16 runs). If they achieve it, they get 150% of the runs scored. If they fail, they receive only 50% of the runs scored. High risk, high reward—pure drama.
- 5. Powerplay Innovation
The first two overs are mandatory powerplays. Additionally, batting teams can take one “batting powerplay” over later in the innings when they need acceleration.
These rules ensure no match feels predictable. Traditional cricket strategies need adaptation, forcing captains and players to think creatively under pressure.
Season 2 Success Stories: Proof of ISPL’s Impact
Before ISPL Season 3 2026 begins, previous seasons already produced inspiring success stories:
- Abhishek Kumar Dalhor – Took 24 wickets in 12 matches during Season 2, becoming the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. His performances earned him invitations to IPL training camps, proving ISPL can be a legitimate pathway to professional cricket.
- Sagar Ali – Scored 493 runs in 13 innings, winning Man of the Series in Season 2. His consistent batting showcased that community cricketers possess technical skills matching professional standards when given a proper platform.
- Vijay Pawle – Captained Majhi Mumbai to championship victory in Season 2, leading from the front with smart tactics and crucial performances.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who serves on ISPL’s Core Committee, specifically praised these players, stating that ISPL has evolved beyond just a league—it’s become a movement changing how India identifies and nurtures cricket talent.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Vision for ISPL
Sachin Tendulkar’s involvement lends ISPL credibility and purpose. His perspective on the league’s mission is clear:
“ISPL has evolved beyond being just a league; it’s 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.”
League Commissioner Suraj Samat added that the Porsche 911 MVP prize symbolizes achievable dreams, comparing it to Ravi Shastri’s famous Audi prize in 1985.
The message is clear: excellence is rewarded generously, regardless of background.
This philosophy defines ISPL—celebrating effort, discipline, and performance while providing tangible rewards that change lives.
Why ISPL Season 3 2026 Matters to Indian Cricket?
Beyond entertainment, ISPL addresses real gaps in Indian cricket’s ecosystem:
- 1. Grassroots Visibility
Millions play cricket in India, but only hundreds reach state-level recognition. ISPL creates a middle path—allowing talented community players national visibility without requiring decades of traditional cricket pathways.
- 2. Structured Opportunity
Before ISPL, street cricket remained informal. ISPL provides structure—trials, auctions, contracts, televised matches—making community cricket respectable and aspirational.
- 3. Financial Rewards
Player contracts, prize money, and the Porsche 911 MVP prize represent life-changing amounts for community cricketers. This financial recognition validates their years of practice and dedication.
- 4. Youth Development
Mandatory Under-19 player inclusion ensures young talent gets exposure early. Playing alongside experienced cricketers accelerates their development and confidence.
- 5. Cultural Impact
Celebrity ownership and media coverage make ISPL culturally relevant. When Amitabh Bachchan or Salman Khan own teams, millions pay attention, bringing cricket back to its grassroots while maintaining mainstream appeal.
What to Expect This Season?
The ISPL season 3 2026 date of January 9 kicks off what promises to be the tournament’s most competitive edition yet.
With eight teams, every franchise believes they can win. Majhi Mumbai enters as favorites but faces hungry challengers.
New teams from Delhi and Ahmedabad bring fresh energy and rivalries.
Salman Khan’s massive fan following means Team Delhi matches will draw huge viewership. Ajay Devgn’s Ahmedabad Lions tap into Gujarat’s cricket passion.
The expanded schedule with 40 league matches ensures every team plays enough games for form and strategy to matter.
Unlike knockout tournaments where luck plays bigger roles, ISPL’s league format rewards consistency.
Fans can expect nail-biting finishes, explosive batting, clever bowling variations, and moments of brilliance that remind everyone why cricket is India’s religion.
Conclusion: Every Street Deserves Its Stadium
ISPL Season 3 2026 stands as proof that Indian cricket’s future isn’t just about international stars—it’s about celebrating the millions who play with passion in lanes, parks, and beaches across the nation.
From January 9 to February 6, Surat will witness cricket’s democratic spirit come alive.
Players who never dreamed of television cameras will perform under lights. Families will watch neighbors compete nationally. Dreams nurtured on dusty pitches will materialize on professional grounds.
ISPL shows that when structure meets passion, magic happens. It proves that your cricket matters—whether played with taped balls or leather ones, whether watched by dozens or millions.
As the tournament unfolds, remember that behind every six hit and wicket taken stands years of practice, sacrifice, and belief. ISPL gives those stories the stage they deserve.
For the latest updates, match schedules, player profiles, and live coverage of ISPL Season 3 2026, stay tuned to CricketBureau.com – your trusted source for grassroots cricket news and insights. Because every street deserves its stadium, and every dream deserves its moment.
