The excitement, colours and fierce regional rivalries of the Indian Premier League (IPL) are set to arrive in Singapore next month – albeit in a very different format.
The inaugural SG Community Box Cricket League 2026, billed as Singapore’s first IPL-style box cricket competition, will make its debut on Sept 5 and 6, bringing together 10 franchise-style teams representing different Indian communities in a fast-paced tournament designed to recreate the excitement of professional cricket at the grassroots level.
Organised by SportsKingdom International, a company backed by Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma, the league aims to transform the familiar game of neighbourhood “gully cricket” into a professionally organised sporting spectacle while celebrating Singapore’s multicultural Indian community.
“The inspiration comes from a mix of sheer passion for cricket within Singapore’s diaspora and the universal, nostalgic appeal of the gully or street cricket we all grew up playing,” said organiser Chetan Suryavanshi.
“We wanted to take that highly accessible format and elevate it with the premium, high-stakes energy of professional franchise cricket. The time is right because people are looking for well-organised, high-quality sporting platforms that also create a true family festival atmosphere.”
The tournament will be held at Perse International School on Chestnut Drive. Ten teams will be divided into two groups, playing a round-robin format before the top two sides from each group advance to the semi-finals and grand final. Separate men’s and women’s divisions will also be contested.
The participating franchises, who paid S$600 each to enter the tournament, draw inspiration from India’s rich regional heritage: Marathi Peshwas, Kannada Nandi Bulls, Mithila Maharathis, Malayali Tuskers, Luckhnavi Nawabs, Tamil Cholas, Bengali Tigers, Gujarati Saavaj, Telugu Kakatiyas and Panjabi Shers.
While currently community-owned, organisers hope the teams will eventually evolve into corporate-backed franchises similar to professional sports leagues.
Unlike traditional cricket, box cricket is played in a compact enclosed arena using a soft tennis-style ball, making it safer and far more accessible. Each team fields six players, innings consist of six overs of five balls each, batters play in pairs, every player – including the wicketkeeper – must bowl, and only underarm bowling is allowed.
“The underarm bowling and soft ball completely level the playing field, allowing anyone – regardless of age, gender or prior professional training – to jump right in and compete safely,” Chetan explained.
He likened the concept to pickleball, saying its low barrier to entry allows complete beginners and experienced cricketers alike to enjoy the sport together.
While the tournament takes inspiration from the IPL, organisers say they are focusing on more than just the cricket.
“On the field, it is all about professional standards and intense regional rivalry,” said Chetan.
“Off the field, we want to recreate the vibrant festival atmosphere. Our motto is ‘Local Play. Big Spirit. Lasting Memories.’ We want loud cheering, colourful community support and the feeling that every match is a blockbuster event.”
Although the league currently targets Singapore’s Indian diaspora, the organisers have a much broader vision.
“It is starting with the Indian community because franchise cricket has deep roots there, but the ultimate vision is absolute inclusivity,” Chetan said. “We hope to work with community organisations to eventually establish box cricket across Singapore and bring together teams from every cultural background.”
The response has already exceeded expectations.
“The moment we announced team names like the Tamil Cholas and Mithila Maharathis, community pride instantly took over,” Chetan said. “People were excited about putting on a jersey and representing their regional identity.”
Among those embracing the concept is Rajesh, owner of the Tamil Cholas.
“This isn’t just a weekend knockabout; it is about putting our rich heritage on display and building an IPL-style legacy right here in Singapore. Every community talks a big game. In September, we let the bat and ball do the talking,” he said.
Shaji Philip, owner of the Malayali Tuskers, believes the tournament will unite families while showcasing Malayali culture.
“We aren’t just here to participate; we are here to showcase the strength, unity and passion of the Malayali diaspora during the Onam celebrations and beyond,” he said.
Tournament director Kunal Kanti Ghosh, an ICC and ACC umpire and match referee, described the competition as “the pickleball of cricket”, saying its simple format allows almost anyone to play safely while retaining a highly competitive edge.
The organisers hope Singapore will become the launchpad for an international box cricket movement spanning India, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
For now, however, success will be measured more simply.
“If, on Sunday evening, players from all 10 communities are proudly wearing their team colours and asking when registrations open for 2027, then we’ve achieved our goal,” Chetan said. “We want to create a new sporting tradition in Singapore.”
