In a potential infusion of IPL flavor, both Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, associated with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), have expressed keen interest in owning teams in the Bengal Premier League (BPL). This tournament will be backed by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
The tournament, scheduled to kick off in the middle or third week of June next year, is set to add a new dimension to T20 cricket in Bengal.
As per Telegraph India, the CAB-planned Bengal Premier League is designed to feature eight competitive teams, offering a platform for local talent to showcase their cricketing prowess.
While the official announcement is expected in the first week of January, the eagerness displayed by KKR and LSG signifies a potential collaboration between IPL franchises and regional cricket tournaments.
Other groups also interested in CAB Bengal Premier League
The Knight Riders, known for their involvement in nurturing grassroots cricket, have been actively collaborating with CAB since 2018, particularly in organizing the Mayor’s Cup inter-school cricket tournament, also known as the Junior Knights Championship. This partnership has aimed to foster young talent and provide them with valuable exposure.
Joining KKR and LSG in expressing interest are various prominent entities, including DTDC, Bandhan Bank, Bengal Ambuja, Shrachi Group, and Rashmi Cement Limited. The involvement of these organizations emphasizes the growing enthusiasm and corporate support for regional cricket initiatives, promoting a robust cricket culture in Bengal.
With the participation of IPL franchises, the CAB-planned Bengal Premier League is poised to attract attention and enthusiasm from cricket enthusiasts across the region. The infusion of top-tier ownership is expected to elevate the tournament’s stature and contribute to the development of cricket at the grassroots level.
