NEW DELHI: The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) concluded its second season with Majhi Mumbai securing the championship by defeating Srinagar Ke Veer in a thrilling three-wicket victory at the packed Dadoji Kondadev Stadium on Saturday.
The final match kept spectators on the edge of their seats with momentum shifts throughout, until Mumbai, last season’s runners-up, sealed victory with Ankur’s decisive six.
The 20-day tournament successfully combined the enthusiasm of emerging talent with experienced players, featuring intense matches and entertaining musical shows. Each moment of brilliance on the field represented the essence of tennis ball cricket that many grew up playing.
The tournament, supported by cricket legend “Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar” as a core committee member, has developed significantly, providing opportunities for street cricketers to showcase their abilities on a professional platform.
The final was attended by ISPL core committee members including Tendulkar, Ashish Shelar, Suraj Samat, and Minal Amol Kale, alongside team owners and Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar.
Following Mumbai’s decision to field after winning the toss, Bachchan and Kumar participated in a Tip-Toe activity to select dugouts, with Tendulkar serving as umpire. Bachchan joined Mumbai’s team huddle while Kumar motivated the Srinagar squad.
Batting first, Srinagar posted 120/5, the highest ISPL final total, led by openers Sagar Ali and Akash Tarekar’s record 108-run partnership. The innings later witnessed five quick wickets. Akash remained unbeaten on 59 from 32 balls, including three fours and five sixes, while Sagar contributed 40 from 23 deliveries with four sixes. Abhishek Kumar Dalhor claimed two wickets for Mumbai, extending his tournament tally to 24.
Mumbai’s chase, guided by captain Vijay Pawle’s crucial innings and supported by Birendra, included a pivotal 50-50 Challenge Over against Dilip Binjwa yielding 39 runs. Despite early success and subsequent struggles at 64/6, Pawle’s unbeaten 22 from nine balls and Birendra’s 14 from six deliveries steered the team. Ankur’s six in the final over secured the title.
The tournament has evolved beyond street cricket, offering players professional opportunities and financial stability, exemplified by Abhishek Kumar Dalhor’s Rs 20.50 lakh contract as the season’s most valuable player.