Chandigarh, The fourth edition of the OMAXE Chandigarh Premier League (CPL), organized by the UT Cricket Association (UTCA) at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula, has once again underlined its reputation as a premier platform for nurturing and showcasing cricketing talent from the city. Over the last three editions, CPL has steadily grown into a launchpad for aspiring cricketers, providing them with invaluable exposure and opportunities to catch the attention of IPL franchises and national selectors.
Since its inception in 2019, UTCA has evolved remarkably, producing players who have gone on to represent IPL teams, national squads and even become world champions. But with the introduction of this league, this initiative has brought together a unique mix of senior, Under-23, and Under-19 cricketers, creating a competitive environment where young talent can learn alongside experienced campaigners.
The ongoing edition continues to attract the attention of scouts from various IPL franchises, who are closely monitoring performances throughout the tournament. Several UTCA cricketers have already used the CPL platform to enhance their profiles and take significant strides in their careers.
Among the notable IPL cap is Chandigarh senior team captain Manan Vohra who has represented multiple IPL franchises including Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants. ICC Under-19 World Cup winner Raj Angad Bawa has featured in the IPL for Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians while seasoned pacer Sandeep Sharma has enjoyed a long and successful IPL career with franchises including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
The CPL has also played a crucial role in the development of emerging players. Fast bowler Jagjit Singh Sandhu, Chandigarh’s highest wicket-taker in a Syed Mustaq Ali Tournament season had earned him recognition from Kings XI Punjab scouts and was engaged as a net bowler with an IPL franchise. Several other promising cricketers who impressed in previous CPL editions and later found themselves in IPL auction discussions include Anirudh Kanwar, Abhishek Saini, Vishu Kashyap, Nishunk Birla, Shivam Bhambri, Bhagmender Lather, Arjun Azad, Nikhil Kumar and Mohd Arslan Khan.
According to Sanjay Tandon, the Founder President, UTCA and now Governing Council member, BCCI who conceptualized the CPL feels that through the CPL, UTCA has built an ‘airport’ for cricketing talent by providing the platform, exposure, infrastructure and competitive environment that young cricketers need to grow. However, every successful ‘flight’ depends on the player’s own ability, hard work, discipline and determination to rise above the competition. The CPL was conceptualized to bridge the gap between local cricket and the professional stage and it is immensely satisfying to see many players today knocking on the doors of the IPL.
