Kolkata: The Malda Premier League (MPL), a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament, was introduced to create a professional platform for emerging cricketers and bring Malda’s sporting talent into the wider cricketing spotlight. The initiative aimed to strengthen grassroots cricket, encourage youth participation and provide aspiring players from smaller towns and remote areas with opportunities to showcase their abilities.
Indian cricket star Shikhar Dhawan extended his support to the initiative by sharing a special video message for the MPL press conference. Renowned Tollywood actresses Shyamoupti Mudly, Sohini Guha Roy and Rajnandini Paul were also associated with the initiative, adding glamour to the tournament and strengthening its connection with Bengal’s entertainment industry. Dhawan’s anticipated presence at the opening celebrations in Malda was expected to generate further excitement. The organisers also indicated the possibility of an exhibition match featuring him, subject to final confirmation.
Speaking about nurturing emerging talent, Shikhar Dhawan said, “Cricket has the power to bring people together and inspire young people to dream big. Initiatives like the Malda Premier League can provide aspiring cricketers with a valuable platform to showcase their talent, gain confidence and learn from competitive experience. I hope the young players make the most of such opportunities and continue working hard towards their goals.”
A major highlight of MPL was its planned player selection process across four cities—Kolkata, Malda, Siliguri and Asansol. The trials were scheduled to commence after Kali Puja, offering aspiring cricketers from across West Bengal an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and compete for a place in the tournament.
Online registrations were planned through the tournament’s official website, mldt20.in, making participation more accessible to aspiring players across the region.
The tournament was planned around eight franchises: Mothabari Lions, Harishchandrapur Warriors, Kolkata Tigers, Manikchak Rangers, Gazole Titans, Chanchal Chargers, Kaliachak Kings and English Bazar Royals. The proposed team composition included former Ranji Trophy cricketers, professional players and emerging talents selected through the trials, creating opportunities for young cricketers to learn from experienced players and gain exposure to competitive T20 cricket.
Speaking about the league’s vision, a representative of the organising body, Choudhury Rural Development Society, said, “The Malda Premier League is an initiative to identify and encourage cricketing talent that often remains undiscovered beyond major sporting centres. Our objective is to provide young cricketers with a professional platform where they can demonstrate their abilities, compete alongside experienced players and work towards fulfilling their sporting ambitions.”
Organised by the Choudhury Rural Development Society, MPL was conceived as more than a conventional sporting competition. The initiative aimed to promote a sporting culture in Malda, encourage youth participation and establish a pathway for local cricketers to gain greater visibility.
The organisers also outlined plans for professional match management, modern broadcasting facilities, digital promotion and sponsor engagement to enhance the tournament’s presentation and reach a wider audience.