Bollywood superstars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan on Wednesday announced that they are now the owners of the Kolkata Team in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL). The organisers of the league are claiming it to be Indias pioneering tennis ball T10 cricket tournament to be played inside a stadium. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ISPL (@ispl_t10)Kareena took to the social media platform Instagram to share the news. The caption reads Cricket, a tradition we cherish, a love we share…. It runs in the family after all. So thrilled to announce our ownership of Team Kolkata in the Indian Street Premier League! Its a fantastic opportunity for young aspiring cricketers out there and we couldnt be happier to be part of this experience!Pataudis legacy continues with T10 collaborationWhile, the organisers also released a statement, which reads, The Pataudi legacy shines with this collaboration as Saif Ali Khans father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was a famous Indian cricketer and Indian cricket team former captain. The Pataudi family also has a special connection to Kolkata with Saif Ali Khans mother, Sharmila Tagore being the great-great-grandniece of Indias and West Bengals most beloved icon, Rabindranath Tagore. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan)The ISPL features celebrities who own a team in the league: Amitabh Bachchan (Mumbai), Akshay Kumar (Srinagar), Hrithik Roshan (Bengaluru), Suriya (Chennai), and Ram Charan (Hyderabad).The media reports quoted the statement of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, which said, “We are thrilled to embark on this incredible journey with the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL). The partnership with ISPL symbolizes both our love for cricket and the vibrant spirit of the City of Joy. Kolkata holds a special place in our hearts with our familys legacy and connection to the state. Heres to an exhilarating season where teamwork, talent, and sheer determination lead the way. Our association goes beyond ownership to a shared commitment to the spirit of the format which is designed to inspire a new generation of cricketing talent.”Ashish Shelar, Core Committee Member of Indian Street Premier League said, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khans entry into ISPL marks a pivotal moment for our league. Their passion for the game and iconic stature will inspire Kolkatas aspiring cricketers, encouraging their enthusiastic participation in this tournament. We look forward to a successful collaboration and an exhilarating season ahead.”What is ISPLThe Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) T10 aims to bring street cricket into the mainstream through an innovative new tournament structure. As the first national league focused on identifying and promoting untapped local talent, the ISPL seeks to create new pathways to professional cricket stardom.Designed as a fast-paced 10-over format, the ISPL involves selecting elite amateur players from cities and towns across India. Organizers say the goal is to unearth the raw energy and flair that makes street cricket so captivating, providing a platform for those skills on the big stage.
