CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: In a landmark finale held on December 22, 2024, at Surat’s Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, the Big Cricket League (BCL) concluded its inaugural season, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape. The league was conceived by Rudra Pratap Singh, BCL’s President who also has vast experience as a player, ECB Level 4 coach and over 20 years of experience in management and administration with England Cricket Board and Lancashire County Cricket Club / Board with Dr. Vibhor Mishra, principal consultant and CEO of 3EA Global. Developed within the strategic vision of team 3EA, the league is set to change the face of the game by opening up avenues for aspiring cricketers and uniting fans and professionals in unimaginable ways.
Behind the razzmatazz was a mission: to uncover and nurture the raw talent of India. Inspired by reality shows like Indian Idol and Dance India Dance, the BCL’s nationwide talent hunt scoured the country for young players brimming with potential. The journey didn’t end there; shortlisted players had the opportunity of a lifetime, rubbing shoulders with cricketing legends and playing for teams like the Northern Challengers, UP Brij Stars, Rajasthan Regals, MP Tigers, Mumbai Marines, and Southern Spartans.
In a press interaction, Mr. Rudra Pratap Singh, Dr. Vibhor and Mr. Pranav Bhaskar, Business Partner at 3EA, shared their insights into the league’s vision, journey, and future.
Q: How did the idea for the Big Cricket League (BCL) take shape?
Mr. Rudra Pratap Singh, “BCL started off on a very simple yet profound thought: re-imagine the discovery and celebration of cricket in India. There are cricketers across India, small-town and big-town, for whom opportunities just do not exist. Our vision was to establish a league that combined the thrill of professional competition with the development of local players. Having a talent hunt is not some kind of gimmick; it’s what BCL is all about.”
Q: BCL’s inaugural season attracted millions of viewers and significant sponsorship. What do you think contributed to this massive response?
Dr. Vibhor Mishra, “A combination of factors worked in our favor. First, the league’s format-a mix of talent discovery, competitive cricket, and entertainment-resonated with fans. Second, the franchise model attracted celebrity team owners, including actress Raveena Tandon and her daughter Rasha Thadani, as well as Supreme Court lawyer Sana Raees Khan who amplified the league’s visibility. Partnerships with brands such as Pepsi and EaseMyTrip played a big role, giving the league associations with well-known brands and credibility. Finally, Sony Liv enabled us to reach a wide audience of cricket fans nationwide, with high-quality production comparable to international leagues.”
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