The second edition of the SPL Cricket Tournament, launched with the objective of providing better opportunities to Indian youth through cricket while promoting discipline, character building, nation-building, and a sense of social responsibility, will now be organized with a new name and a new identity. The tournament will now be known as the SPL Bharat Cup.
The official announcement was made during a press conference held on 27 July 2026 at the Constitution Club of Rajasthan in Jaipur. Under the inspiration and patronage of Chief Patron Pandit Devkinandan Thakur, the second edition of the tournament will be played in February and March 2027.
The organizers stated that following the success of the first edition, several important changes have been introduced to make the tournament more professional, transparent, and competitive. The new name, T12 format, synthetic leather ball, transparent selection process, player auction, and increased prize money will be the key highlights of this edition.
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According to the organizing committee, the objective of the SPL Bharat Cup is not just to organize a cricket tournament, but to provide talented players from across the country with a platform where they can progress based on their abilities and take a step toward representing Indian cricket in the future.
SPL Bharat Cup 2027 Officially Announced in Jaipur
The second edition of the SPL Bharat Cup 2027 was officially announced during a press conference held at the Constitution Club of Rajasthan in Jaipur. During the event, important details regarding the tournament’s new name, T12 format, synthetic leather ball, selection process, player categories, auction system, and prize money were shared.
The press conference was attended by Chief Patron Pandit Devkinandan Thakur, Founder Vijay Sharma, Commissioner and 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal, Chief Advisor Sumendra Tiwari, Strategic Advisor Ajay Bhatiwal, Cricket Operations Chief Sanjeev Mishra, and Secretary Yogesh Sharma.
Chief Patron Pandit Devkinandan Thakur Says Sports Are a Powerful Medium for Character Building Among Youth
Chief Patron Pandit Devkinandan Thakur said, “Sports are not limited to winning and losing. They are an effective medium for developing discipline, character building, dedication toward the nation, and a spirit of serving society among the youth. The objective of the SPL Bharat Cup is not only to provide a platform for cricket talent but also to prepare responsible young individuals who become an inspiration to society through their conduct and performance.”
He further said, “The commitment made in the first edition to connect sports with social service will be expanded further in the second edition.” He expressed confidence that the tournament would provide positive direction to millions of young people across the country in the coming years while also strengthening India’s sporting culture.
Madan Lal Says Talented Players from Small Towns Will Get a Bigger Platform
1983 World Cup winner and Tournament Commissioner Madan Lal said that there is no shortage of talent in India’s small towns and villages. What is needed is the right opportunity and proper guidance. He expressed confidence that the SPL Bharat Cup would become a major platform for such players.
He said, “Talent can give you a start, but discipline and hard work are what keep you successful in the long run. Do not be afraid of defeat. Defeat teaches you lessons, while victory gives you responsibility.”
Madan Lal said that the transparent selection process and competitive environment will provide players with better opportunities to progress, and in the coming years, the tournament could produce several new talents for Indian cricket.
Vijay Sharma Says This Is Not Just Cricket, but a Mission for the Future of Youth
Founder Vijay Sharma said that the SPL Bharat Cup was not started with the sole objective of organizing a cricket tournament. It was envisioned as a platform where young people from across the country could showcase their talent while also gaining inspiration to develop discipline, character, and a sense of responsibility toward society.
He said that the trust received from players, spectators, and society during the first edition gave the organizers the confidence to take this initiative to a much larger level. With the same vision, the SPL Bharat Cup is now being introduced across the country in a new format.
Vijay Sharma said, “Our objective is not just to select good players, but to provide opportunities to those who dream of representing India in the future. Developing discipline, character, and a sense of responsibility toward the nation through sports is also one of our priorities.”
Moving beyond T10, matches will now be played in the T12 format
In the second edition, all matches will be played in a 12-over format. Organizers believe the T12 format will give players more time to showcase their talent, while spectators will witness matches that are more competitive and thrilling than before.
Tournament to be played with synthetic leather balls this time
Replacing the tennis balls used in the inaugural edition, all matches this time will be played with synthetic leather balls. The organizing committee states that this change aims to provide players with an experience closer to competitive cricket and to enhance their technical skills.
Players aged 14 to 35 will get the opportunity
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Players in the 14-35 age group will be eligible to participate in the SPL Bharat Cup 2027. The organizing committee aims to provide equal opportunities to emerging cricketing talent from various states and cities across the country.
Teams from eight states to participate
Eight teams representing different states will take the field in the second edition. The organizing committee believes this will provide a common platform for players from diverse regions, fostering healthy competition alongside national unity.
Participating teams:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Warriors – Maharashtra
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Lions – Gujarat
- Sardar Bhagat Singh Brigade – Punjab
- Rani Laxmibai Strikers – Uttar Pradesh
- Ahilya Mata Guardians – Madhya Pradesh
- Samrat Ashok Lions – Delhi
- Chandrashekhar Azad Sena – Uttarakhand
- Maharana Pratap Ranbankure – Rajasthan
According to the organizers, these teams will offer players nationwide an equal opportunity to prove their talent.
Auction pool of 250 players; 128 to get the chance to play
The player selection process for the second edition has been made more transparent than before. According to the organizing committee, trials will first be conducted in various cities across the country. Full details including trial dates, locations, and the registration process will be officially released in October 2026. Once the trial process concludes, an auction pool comprising a total of 250 players will be finalized. Of these, 50 players will be selected based on their performance in the inaugural edition, while the remaining 200 will be included based on trials and evaluations by the selection committee.
Subsequently, the eight participating teams will select a total of 128 players through an auction. Each team’s squad will consist of 16 players.
Players to be categorized into three tiers
Prior to the auction, players will be placed into three categories based on their performance and potential:
- Category A: ₹75,000
- Category B: ₹50,000
- Category C: ₹25,000
The organizers state that the objective of this system is to accord players the recognition and financial incentives commensurate with their performance.
Winning team to receive ₹31 lakh
An attractive prize purse has also been announced for the SPL Bharat Cup 2027. The winning team will receive ₹31 lakh, while the runners-up will be awarded ₹21 lakh. Additionally, the ‘Man of the Series’ will be gifted a car, while the ‘Best Batsman’ and ‘Best Bowler’ will each receive a motorcycle as a prize.
Special emphasis on social responsibility alongside the sport
During the press conference, organizers highlighted that, right from its inception, the SPL Bharat Cup has sought to link cricket with social responsibility. In the first edition, a pledge was made to tie social service to every run scored; this initiative resulted in lakhs of rupees being dedicated to needy families, social organizations, and various public welfare activities.
Launched under the inspiration of Chief Patron Pandit Devkinandan Thakur, this campaign will be expanded to a much larger scale in the second edition. The organizers state that their aim is not merely to provide a platform for players but also to foster a spirit of positive social change through the sport.
The inaugural edition carved a unique niche
The first edition of the SPL, held in March 2026, received an enthusiastic response from players and cricket fans alike. In the final match, ‘Maharana Pratap Ranbankure’ (Rajasthan) clinched the title. Throughout the tournament, numerous young players caught the attention of selectors and cricket experts with their performances.
The closing ceremony was graced by several sports personalities, including former Indian international cricketers Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla, Praveen Kumar, Mohit Sharma, and Pankaj Singh. Their presence lent further credibility and popularity to the event.
SPL Bharat Cup 2027: Ushering in a New Chapter
With a new name, the T12 format, synthetic leather balls, a transparent selection process, an auction system, teams from eight states, and a winning prize purse of ₹31 lakh, the SPL Bharat Cup 2027 is set to launch its second edition with a fresh identity.
The organizers are confident that the event will go beyond merely providing opportunities to budding cricketers; in the years to come, it will play a pivotal role in identifying new talent for Indian cricket, fostering discipline and character-building among the youth, and promoting the messages of nation-building and social responsibility through sport.
Also Read: SPL 2026 Unity Match: Maharaj XI Defeats Legends XI In An Entertaining Showdown
