Archive · 16 Sep 2026
ISCL Plans Bigger National Footprint Ahead of Season 2
The Indian Softball Cricket League is a competition for players who use softball or tennis balls.
It wants to give talented cricketers from cities, villages and remote areas a chance to play at a higher level.
The league started in Karnataka in 2024.
It became a national competition with 32 teams in 2025.
Punjab won the first season.
Vidarbha is joining as a new franchise for Season 2.
Sony Sports will broadcast the new season.
ISCL says it wants to become more organized and create more opportunities for players, fans and businesses.
The Indian Softball Cricket League outlined plans to expand its national franchise and commercial ecosystem for Season 2.
ISCL began as Karnataka’s softball league in 2024 and became a 32-team national competition in 2025.
Punjab won the inaugural season, which also featured an India-Nepal international match.
Vidarbha was added as a new franchise for Season 2 in June 2026.
Sony Sports will serve as Season 2’s official broadcaster as ISCL seeks to support grassroots talent across India.
- Who
- The Indian Softball Cricket League, led by Founder and President Dr. Gangadhar Raju, with Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh as Brand Ambassadors.
- What
- ISCL announced plans to make Season 2 larger, more professional and nationally connected.
- When
- The plans were outlined on September 16; Season 2 preparations are taking place in 2026, with Vidarbha added in June 2026.
- Where
- The announcement was made at the IAS Association in Bengaluru, Karnataka; the league operates across India.
- Why
- ISCL aims to provide structured opportunities and greater visibility to softball and tennis-ball cricketers, especially those from grassroots, rural and remote communities.
- League format
- Franchise-based softball and tennis-ball cricket
- Existing franchises
- 32 teams representing states and regions across India
- Season 1 champion
- Punjab
- Season 2 addition
- Vidarbha was added as a new franchise in June 2026
- Official broadcaster
- Sony Sports
- Governing organization
- Indian Softball Cricket Foundation
- Headquarters
- Bengaluru, Karnataka