Wikipedia - Tamil Nadu Premier League
The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) is a men's Twenty20 (T20) cricket league that is annually held in the state of Tamil Nadu in India and contested by eight city-based franchise teams. The league was formed in 2016 by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). It is usually played during post summer season from June to August of every year. Shriram Group is the current title sponsor of the tournament.
As of 2023, there have been seven seasons of the tournament. The present title holder is Lyca Kovai Kings.Chepauk Super Gillies are the most successful team after winning the title four times.
History
Background
In 2016, the TNPL was launched at the time when Chennai Super Kings, the Tamil Nadu franchise playing Indian Premier League (IPL), was facing a two-year suspension from the league. The league was aimed to make up for the absence of high-profile matches in Chennai in the year and to expose talented players from districts. It was conceived by former BCCI president and then TNCA president N. Srinivasan.
Franchise rights
On 1 May 2016, TNCA invited bidders for the eight franchise rights. A total of 17 bidders participated in the bidding process and current members of TNCA were not allowed to participate. The base price set for each franchise was ₹1.25 crore (US$160,000) for a period of 10 years. The franchise rights was sold for ₹33.51 crore (US$4.2 million) and the highest bidder chose Salem for ₹5.21 crore (US$650,000).
| Owner | Franchise | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vivo South Chennai distributor Selvakumar | Salem Spartans | ₹5.21 crore (US$650,000) |
| Metronation Chennai | Chepauk Super Gillies | ₹5.13 crore (US$640,000) |
| Lyca Productions | Lyca Kovai Kings | ₹5.01 crore (US$630,000) |
| Kothari (Madras) Ltd. | Madurai Panthers | ₹4.001 crore (US$500,000) |
| (Need to be Updated) | Trichy Grand Cholas | ₹3.69 crore (US$460,000) |
| Crown Forts Ltd. | Nellai Royal Kings | ₹3.48 crore (US$440,000) |
| Take Solutions Ltd | Dindigul Dragons | ₹3.42 crore (US$430,000) |
| I Dream cinemas | iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans | ₹3.3 crore (US$410,000) |
Foundation
On 16 August 2016, the first edition was inaugurated by MS Dhoni in Chennai. The first edition featured international cricketers including Ravichandran Ashwin, Murali Vijay, Dinesh Karthik and Lakshmipathy Balaji. Former cricketers Robin Singh and Michael Bevan were among the coaches. Matthew Hayden was the brand ambassador of the league. No players representing other state associations participated in the inaugural season as they were not given permission at the time by the BCCI. Star Sports were the TV broadcasters. The first season was played from 24 August to 18 September.
The TNPL features eight teams representing different cities and regions within Tamil Nadu. These teams are comprised of both seasoned professionals and promising young talents, making for an exciting and competitive tournament. The league follows a round-robin format, where each team plays against every other team in the group stage, followed by playoffs and a grand finale.
The tournament is known for its electrifying atmosphere, with enthusiastic fans filling the stadiums to cheer for their favorite teams. The TNPL has gained a reputation for producing thrilling matches, with players showcasing their skills in batting, bowling, and fielding. The league has also been a platform for many young cricketers to make a name for themselves and catch the attention of national selectors.
Apart from the on-field action, the TNPL also promotes the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. It provides an opportunity for players to learn and grow, both as individuals and as a team. The tournament also contributes to the development of cricket infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, with improved facilities and training programs being implemented.
The Tamil Nadu Premier League has garnered a significant following among cricket enthusiasts, not only in Tamil Nadu but also across India. It has become a platform for fans to witness high-quality cricket and support their local teams. The tournament has also attracted the attention of sponsors and broadcasters, further enhancing its reach and popularity.
Overall, the Tamil Nadu Premier League is a celebration of cricketing excellence, showcasing the rich talent pool and love for the sport in Tamil Nadu. It is a must-watch tournament for cricket fans, offering thrilling matches, emerging talents, and a vibrant atmosphere that truly captures the essence of the game.