Suraj Samat, a prominent figure in the realm of Indian sports administration, continues to make significant contributions as the League Commissioner and Core Committee Member of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), which is recognized as India’s inaugural stadium-based tennis-ball T10 cricket tournament.

With more than 14 years of experience as a Trustee and Apex Council Member of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Samat has been instrumental in influencing the cricketing landscape of the region. His strategic foresight and dedication to inclusivity have propelled various development initiatives, fostering a more vibrant and engaging environment for players, fans, and stakeholders.

Under his guidance, the first season of ISPL was a remarkable success, garnering widespread praise from cricket fans and corporate sponsors alike. Capitalizing on this success, the eagerly awaited second edition—celebrated as India’s largest sports and music festival—is scheduled to take place at Thane's Dadoji Kondadev Stadium from January 26 to February 15. In anticipation of the upcoming season, he shares insights with Hindustan Times regarding all aspects of ISPL.

What inspired you to create the Indian Street Premier League, and how did you envision it standing out in India’s cricketing ecosystem?

I am motivated by a profound desire to transform the manner in which cricket is experienced in India. The ISPL represents the realization of my aspiration to highlight the vibrant energy and allure of tennis-ball cricket. I conceived ISPL as a platform that not only honours this grassroots format but also offers a professional arena for talent identification, entertainment, and a sense of nostalgia. We are more than just a league; we are a movement aimed at reestablishing India's connection with its cricketing heritage.

The inaugural season of ISPL was a blockbuster hit. What strategies did you use to ensure its success and fan engagement?

Our achievements reflect our steadfast dedication to preserving the essence of street cricket. We infused elements of professional sports entertainment, and actively involved fans through digital initiatives, live broadcasts, and celebrity partnerships, while also offering players a platform to demonstrate their skills. The outcome is a harmonious combination of authenticity, entertainment, and inclusivity that resonates with both fans and players. We take pride in having established a league that is genuinely created by the community, for the community.

The ISPL features tennis-ball T10 cricket. What makes this format appealing to players, fans, and sponsors?

Tennis-ball T10 cricket serves as the cornerstone of ISPL! It is characterized by its rapid pace, excitement, and broad accessibility. Players appreciate the well-known format, fans relish the swift matches and exhilarating moments, while sponsors value the chance to engage with a vast and varied audience in a distinctive manner. Our authenticity distinguishes us – we embody professional cricket infused with a street culture! The distinctive rules, participation of celebrities, and engaging fan experiences render ISPL an unmatched event.

How do you see the ISPL evolving over the next five years? Are there plans to expand to other cities or introduce innovations?

The prospects for ISPL are exceptionally promising! In the coming five years, we are dedicated to broadening our trials and matches to additional cities, implementing technological advancements to enhance fan engagement, and further developing a robust talent pipeline. Currently, we are coordinating trials in 101 cities for Season 3, to establish ISPL as a hallmark of grassroots cricket. This season, our fans will have the opportunity to engage with the game through comprehensive analysis, speed measurement tools, and hawk-eye technology. We are delivering an unprecedented level of detail and analysis in Indian sports broadcasting. We are redefining the standards of entertainment, accessibility, and talent identification – the potential for ISPL is limitless.

What are the key responsibilities and challenges you face as the League Commissioner of ISPL?

As the League Commissioner, my foremost duty is to uphold the vision of ISPL. I focus on overseeing operations, providing value to players, fans, and stakeholders, and maintaining a balance between professionalism and our grassroots identity. The most significant challenge I face is addressing the increasing expectations from various stakeholders while remaining true to our core values. However, I find motivation in this challenge, as it inspires me to elevate ISPL to new levels each day.

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