BPL set to ignite city with thrilling T20 action from June 15
Baroda Premier League
(BPL) promises an electrifying cricketing spectacle as five teams gear up to battle for the coveted title. The teams and their coaching staff were finalized through a transparent draw system conducted by the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) on Sunday.
Speaking about the selection process, Sheetal Mehta, BCA treasurer, said, "The draw system was used to ensure fairness to every team. Over 120 players, including 20 Under-19 talents, were allotted across the five squads. Each team will be led by an icon player."
The tournament will feature 24 matches, starting on June 15 at the
Kotambi International Cricket Stadium
.
The five franchises include Alembic Warriors (owned by Nirayu Ltd), Ami Super Avengers (Ami Lifesciences Pvt Ltd), Diamond Dazzlers (Darshanam Happy Homes), A4 Power Strikers (Awesome Four), and Pruthvi Panthers (Vishv Enterprise).
Each team was acquired for Rs 1.25 crore.
Pranav Amin, BCA president, remarked, "The player selection was completely transparent. We are looking forward to a thrilling competition and wish all teams the best."
The teams will be captained by Ninad Rathwa (Alembic Warriors), Atit Sheth (Ami Super Avengers), Shashwat Rawat (Diamond Dazzlers), Bhargav Bhatt (Pruthvi Panthers), and Vishnu Solanki (A4 Power Strikers).
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Renowned coaches Jacob Martin, Rakesh Patel, Pinal Shah, Kedar Devdhar, and Sukhbir Singh will mentor the teams. However, star cricketers Hardik and Krunal Pandya will not participate in the tournament.
Mehta also announced attractive prizes totaling around Rs 45 lakhs, including cash and trophies. Daily awards will recognize the best batsman, bowler, fielder, and special categories such as most sixes, boundaries, and catches.
The BCA is considering a nominal stadium entry fee and plans to invite celebrities along with organizing entertainment events to enhance the tournament's appeal.
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Wasn't Constantine, who already had two terms with India, a better option? Congratulations #KhalidJamil As expected Khalid Jamil is the new Head Coach Indian National Men's Team #BlueTigers A bold decision by AIFF and Khalid himself to join hands at a time when the challenge is of highest level. Khalid becomes the first Indian coach after Savio… — Shaji Prabhakaran (@Shaji4Football) August 1, 2025 After all, Jamil has zero international experience. But that's not the case with Constantine. And then there was Tarkovic, who also had extensive international experience. Don't forget, managing the dressing room is probably the biggest challenge in the Indian team. Players come into the Indian locker room with their bags full of financial security – there's no greed for money. The only thing you need to kindle in them is the passion to play for the blue jersey, but coaches have often found that tough. Stimac was undone by the same issue at the end of his tenure. 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