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Time of India
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
How GEPL is powering India's Esports revolution through digital cricket
How GEPL is powering India's Esports revolution through digital cricket A decade ago, the idea of making a career out of gaming in India was mostly met with raised eyebrows. Today, India is home to more than 591 million gamers1. The number of e-sports athletes has quadrupled in recent years. With the government recognising esports as a legitimate sport, the landscape has changed rapidly. JetSynthesys CEO Rajan Navani believes India holds significant potential in sectors such as e-sports, video gaming and media. While the country currently has a relatively small global presence in these areas, the market is expanding rapidly. Nearly 25% of gamers in India2 are now paying users. Brands, investors, and broadcasters are taking notice. National networks are acquiring streaming rights, and prize pools are reaching into crores. India's esports sector is not just catching up, it is developing its own unique formats. And perhaps nowhere is this transformation more visible than in the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL), the world's largest franchise-based eCricket sports & entertainment league , one of the strongest examples of this momentum, having seen exponential growth since its launch. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Season 2 featured an expanded prize pool of ₹3.05 crore, up from ₹2.51 crore the previous year. The season 1 also recorded a multiplatform reach of 70 million+ and more than 2.4 million minutes of streamed content - evidence of its growing appeal among both cricket and gaming fans across India. Season 2 of GEPL was broadcasted live on JioHotstar (linear and OTT platforms) , expanding its accessibility and national footprint. The league featured six dynamic city-based franchises—Mumbai Grizzlies, Delhi Sharks, Bengaluru Badgers, Chennai Falcons, Hyderabad Rhinos, and Pune Stallions—each bringing its own fanbase, strategy, and flavour to the competition. These teams reflect the local pride and national ambition fuelling the esports boom in India. At first glance, GEPL looks like a traditional cricket league - with city-based franchises, team auctions, and marquee names. But instead of stadiums and leather balls, it unfolds on screens, powered by Real Cricket™, a mobile-first simulation game that's built for the touchscreen generation. In just its second season, the league has attracted over 9 lakh registrations, which is five times more than its debut year. The Season 2 finale of GEPL saw Chennai Falcons take home the title, with Mumbai Grizzlies finishing as runners-up. But the more significant outcome may be what happened off the pitch: all six team owners committed to another three years, signalling rare continuity in a young industry. 'GEPL is not just about tournaments,' says Navani . 'It's about creating an ecosystem where sport, technology, and ambition come together. It's a model that could work not just in India, but globally.' 'With every season, we see esports gain more ground, not just in participation but in purpose,' says Rohit Potphode, CEO of GEPL , highlighting how the league has evolved beyond novelty into a serious sporting format. That momentum is echoed by investors too. Prashant Prakash, co-owner of the Bengaluru franchise , believes GEPL is tapping into a unique opportunity. 'This is one sport where everyone in the audience also has a chance to be a player,' he says. 'It's truly democratic and inclusive—and has the potential to go from zero to a hundred in no time.' The league's backers aren't your typical gaming insiders, either. The franchise owners reflect a mix of youth icons and seasoned entrepreneurs: Suniel Shetty (actor and investor), Sara Tendulkar (entrepreneur and philanthropist), Prashant Prakash (Founding Partner, Accel India), Nikhil Kamath (Co-founder, Zerodha & True Beacon), Mr. Ankit Nagori (Founder, Curefoods), Peyush Bansal (Founder & CEO, Lenskart), Mr. Gopal Srinivasan (Chairman, TVS Capital Funds), Mr. Madhusudanan R (Founder, YAP), and Mr. Arjun Santhanakrishnan (Investor & Entrepreneur) and Mr. Amit Mehta (Director, LNB Group) alongside many more. 'Cricket has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and exploring its future through esports is incredibly exciting,' says Sara Tendulkar, owner of the Mumbai franchise . 'Being part of GEPL, especially with a team from Mumbai, brings together my love for the game and my city.' Suniel Shetty adds as the owner of the Pune franchise , 'Cricket has always been a passion - whether playing it, watching it, or now investing in its digital evolution. GEPL is changing how fans experience the game, and I'm proud to back a league that's energizing young India through e-cricket.' Amit Mehta, owner of the Hyderabad Rhinos , shared a similar perspective, 'GEPL's structure and community focus make it a meaningful platform to invest in. Our commitment is about backing young talent, early, and consistently.' Gopal Srinivasan, co-owner of the Chennai Falcons added, 'GEPL is a meaningful step toward building a sustainable, investable esports ecosystem in India. The league's format and quality of participation make it an exciting platform for both business and talent.' That mix of community, aspiration, and structure is part of what's making esports in India more than just a trend. Since being formally brought under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2022, esports has gained institutional legitimacy. This has unlocked new avenues for investment, training infrastructure, and talent development. With affordable smartphones and cheap data, India's esports revolution is being driven from the bottom up - by Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, by students and creators, by people who might never step onto a physical cricket field but can still top a leader board. India's esports story is still unfolding, but leagues like GEPL signal a shift - from passion to profession, from pastime to platform. References - Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. 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Time of India
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Suniel Shetty buys GEPL's Pune e-cricket team says — ‘These players are the future — I want to dive deeper into this world'
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, known for his action-packed films, has taken a new step into the world of digital sports. At a recent e-cricket match under the Global E-Cricket Premier League (GEPL), where he owns the Pune franchise, Shetty shared his first-hand experience of the high energy and immersive nature of competitive gaming. A first taste of e-cricket drama During the match, Shetty was visibly impressed by the intensity of the game. He mentioned how Sara Tendulkar, owner of the Mumbai Grizzlies, was nervously biting her nails just like any traditional high-stakes sports moment. 'I went backstage just to understand… it's incredible and very hard. And from the corner of my eyes, I saw Sara [Tendulkar], owner of the Mumbai Grizzlies, getting nervous, biting her nails,' Shetty said, adding that the pressure on players and owners alike was no different from a live cricket stadium. Gaming gets personal: Real faces, real talent What caught Shetty off guard was the realism of the e-cricket league. The players didn't just operate digital avatars, they were the stars of the screen themselves. 'It's their voices, their faces, their talent,' he said. The performance was about more than gaming; it was about skill, recognition, and personal connection with the audience. Suniel Shetty buys GEPL's Pune e-cricket team | Credit: X A new kind of rush Shetty admitted that trying to follow the players' coordination left him amazed. 'I was just trying to follow their fingers. Unreal,' he shared. For the actor who will next be seen as a warrior in Kesari Veer, the determination he saw in the digital athletes felt familiar. He likened their passion and commitment to the hustle seen in traditional sports and film. Ready for more in the digital arena Suniel Shetty's involvement in GEPL signals more than a celebrity endorsement. He sees e-sports as an emerging frontier with huge potential. As an actor, entrepreneur, and now e-cricket team owner, Shetty is ready to learn and grow in this space. For him, this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
New Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Game On
With a career that has been active for over three decades, Suniel Shetty is known for his roles in blockbusters like the Hera Pheri series and has been a source of entertainment to audiences across generations, playing roles across the spectrum. Recently, perhaps unbeknownst to many, the actor-producer has donned a different cap as an entrepreneur; he has become the owner of Pune Stallions, a gaming team that participated in the recently-concluded second season of Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL), held at Koramangala Indoor Stadium, Bengaluru. Shetty, whose team had been out of contention for some time, still attended the tense final between Mumbai Grizzlies and Chennai Falcons, with the latter going on to win. The Bollywood star, interestingly, is far from a nominal owner; before making his public appearance, he went backstage to observe the teams and their plans, along with Sara Tendulkar, who, as the owner of Mumbai Grizzlies, was also in attendance, accompanied by her mother, Anjali Tendulkar. Shetty, who was enthused by the rise of the sport, made no effort to conceal his zeal. 'I think gaming has taken over the world. I went backstage to understand... it's incredible and very hard. From the corner of my eyes I saw Sara [Tendulkar] getting nervous and biting her nails,' he quipped. What perhaps gripped Shetty the most was that the players playing the game had their 'likenesses' copied to the video game, Real Cricket 24. This is pivotal because they are seeing themselves, playing on the screen, further dissolving the divide between 'real' and virtual cricket. 'It's their voices and their own images. So when you play, you're the one who's being projected on screen. The world is seeing you. With a game like EA Sports FC [a football video game franchise] , you have the gamers playing with likenesses of real footballers. So for the kids, that talent is never showcased. This is the first time ever that I've seen that the kids, and who they are, are being showcased, and that's the beauty of this league,' he said. For Shetty, the father-in-law of KL Rahul, who has been playing pivotal knocks in the ongoing IPL, owning an e-cricket franchise does not seem as far-fetched. Moreover, as he reveals, his son Ahan Shetty is 'obsessed with e-sports', specifically football. 'It is an alternative career. And you've seen that with IPL [and youths being ushered into cricket careers]. This is exactly how I see it. Once you're into a sport, whether it's on the field or otherwise, once you're part of a team, you learn to lose together and win together; it shows a lot of character,' he concluded.
India.com
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Sara Tendulkar turns heads at Sydney Opera House, pictures go viral
Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, made headlines with her chic appearance at the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL) event in Sydney. Dressed in a khaki green outfit that balanced elegance and simplicity, Sara turned heads as she stepped into the limelight not just as a celebrity but as the owner of the Mumbai Grizzlies franchise. Representing the Mumbai Grizzlies, Sara effortlessly blended her deep-rooted passion for cricket with her refined sense of style. Her appearance at the event showcased how she embodies both athletic legacy and fashion-forward sensibility, earning praise for carrying the Tendulkar name with modern grace. Sara's outfit was the highlight of the evening—featuring a flattering silhouette with a V-neckline, lapel collar, fabric belt, and thigh-high slits. The understated yet bold khaki green dress quickly became a fashion inspiration, sparking online trends centered around minimalist yet impactful dressing. Opting for a soft-glam look, Sara's feathered brows, flushed cheeks, glossy lips, and dewy skin captivated beauty enthusiasts. Her subtle makeup complemented the ensemble perfectly and has since set off a surge in interest around the 'natural celebrity makeup look' that dominated social media conversations. To complete her look, Sara chose classic Van Cleef & Arpels accessories. She wore stacked hoop earrings, a delicate bracelet, and a green-pendant necklace—each piece enhancing her overall ensemble. Her jewelry choices have since seen a spike in search trends, especially for the 'Van Cleef green pendant worn by Sara Tendulkar.' While her fashion made waves, Sara also shared an emotional post reflecting her pride in continuing her family's cricketing legacy. Her presence as co-owner of the Mumbai Grizzlies underscored her commitment to the sport and resonated strongly with fans familiar with the Tendulkar name. Sara's presence at the GEPL was captured in a series of Instagram photos featuring cricketers, fans, and intimate family moments. Her half-updo hairstyle, warm interactions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses created a buzz online, making 'Sara Tendulkar GEPL Instagram pics' and 'Sara Tendulkar hairstyle Sydney look' trending searches.
India.com
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Sara Tendulkar Lights Up Sydney Opera House In Stylish Maroon Look
photoDetails english 2893122 Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, turned heads at the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL) event in Sydney, wearing a chic khaki green dress with minimal makeup and elegant accessories. She attended as the owner of the Mumbai Grizzlies team, sharing glimpses from the event on Instagram. The outfit featured a flattering silhouette with notch lapels and side slits, complemented by Van Cleef jewelry and a soft hairstyle. Sara also shared an emotional post expressing her deep-rooted connection to cricket and pride in continuing her family's legacy in the sport through her new role in the GEPL. Updated:Apr 30, 2025, 07:30 AM IST 1. Sara Tendulkar's Green Dress Look Becomes the Talk of Sydney 1 / 20 Sara Tendulkar stunned fans in a khaki green dress at the Global e-Cricket Premier League event, making 'Sara Tendulkar green dress' a trending fashion search. 2. The Perfect Blend of Sport and Style: Cricket Meets Couture 2 / 20 Representing the Mumbai Grizzlies, Sara seamlessly merged sports enthusiasm with fashion finesse—proving she's just as iconic off the pitch as her father, Sachin Tendulkar. 3. Elegant Yet Effortless: Sara's Outfit Breakdown 3 / 20 Her figure-flattering dress, with a V-neck, lapel collar, fabric belt, and knee-high slits, offered a masterclass in minimalist fashion with maximum impact. 4. Celebrity Makeup Inspo: Sara's Glowing Beauty Look 4 / 20 From feathered brows to glossy lips and flushed cheeks, Sara's soft glam has sparked beauty trends like 'natural celebrity makeup look 2025.' 5. Statement Jewelry That Speaks Luxury and Simplicity 5 / 20 Sara accessorized her look with Van Cleef's signature pieces—stacked hoops, dainty bracelet, and a green-pendant necklace—boosting search interest in 'Van Cleef green pendant worn by Sara Tendulkar.' 6. Sara Tendulkar and Cricket: A Legacy Reimagined 6 / 20 As co-owner of the Mumbai Grizzlies, Sara's presence at GEPL not only amplified fashion buzz but also highlighted her deep cricketing roots, echoing viral phrases like 'Tendulkar daughter cricket team owner.' 7. Half-Up, Half-Down Hair: The Hairstyle Everyone Wants Now 7 / 20 Her soft, romantic half-updo created a viral moment, with style queries on the rise for 'Sara Tendulkar hairstyle Sydney look.' 8. From Instagram to Headlines: How Sara's Selfies Went Viral 8 / 20 Sara's Instagram photos with cricketers, family, and fans gave followers an intimate behind-the-scenes look, elevating engagement across 'Sara Tendulkar GEPL Instagram pics.' 9. A Style Icon in the Making: Sara's Rising Influence 9 / 20 Whether it's casual Mumbai outings or global appearances, Sara's evolving fashion presence is redefining modern celebrity style with high SEO potential for 'Sara Tendulkar style evolution.' 10. A New Era for the Tendulkar Family in Cricket and Beyond 10 / 20 While Sachin mentors and Arjun plays IPL, Sara's ownership in GEPL marks a new Tendulkar era—blending sports, philanthropy, and fashion into one powerful narrative. 11 / 20 12 / 20 13 / 20 14 / 20 15 / 20 16 / 20 17 / 20 18 / 20 19 / 20 20 / 20
