The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) is a men's Twenty20 (T20) cricket league that is annually held in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is organised by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and contested by eight city-based franchise teams. The inaugural season was held in 2016. It is usually played in July–August every year.

Dindigul Dragons is the defending champion, having won their first title in 2024. Chepauk Super Gillies is the most successful team with four titles.

History

Background

In July 2015, the R M Lodha committee appointed by the Supreme Court, suspended the Chennai based Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings for a period of two years due to the association of their owners with illegal betting. As a result of the ban, there was no major competitive T20 cricket that was played in the state. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) introduced plans for T20 cricket league for the Chennai first-division league teams to be played in May 2016. Following the same, the TNCA announced the inaugural edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). The league was aimed to make up for the absence of major T20 matches in the state that year and to serve as a platform for local players from the state.

Franchise rights

The TNPL was proposed as an eight team event contested by city-based franchise teams. On 1 May 2016, the TNCA invited bidders for the franchise rights with the base price set at 12.5 million (US$150,000). About 17 bidders participated in the bidding process and the eight franchises were unveiled later by the TNCA. The franchise rights for the eight team were sold for 335.1 million (US$4.0 million) with the highest bid at 52.1 million (US$620,000).

Franchise rights
Owner Franchise city Price
Thoothukudi Sports & Entertainments Thoothukudi 52.1 million (US$620,000)
Metronation Chennai Television Chennai 51.3 million (US$610,000)
Lyca Productions Coimbatore 50.1 million (US$600,000)
Kothari (Madras) International Madurai 40.01 million (US$480,000)
Ruby Builders Kanchipuram 36.9 million (US$440,000)
VB Cricket Academy Thiruvallur 34.8 million (US$420,000)
Take Solutions Dindigul 34.2 million (US$410,000)
Chettinad Apparels Karaikkudi 33.0 million (US$400,000)

Inauguration

In June 2016, the TNCA announced that the first season would consist of 27 matches to be played in August–September across three cities Chennai, Tirunelveli, and Dindigul with the player draft to be held in July. The player draft was held in Chennai on 30 July. On 16 August 2016, the first edition of the league was inaugurated by MS Dhoni and was played from 24 August to 18 September. The first edition featured international cricketers and other domestic cricketers registered with the TNCA.

The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) is a highly anticipated cricket tournament held annually in India. It is a professional Twenty20 cricket league that showcases the immense talent and passion for the sport in the state of Tamil Nadu.

The TNPL features eight teams representing different cities and regions within Tamil Nadu. These teams are comprised of both seasoned professionals and promising young talents, making for an exciting and competitive tournament. The league follows a round-robin format, where each team plays against every other team in the group stage, followed by playoffs and a grand finale.

The tournament is known for its electrifying atmosphere, with enthusiastic fans filling the stadiums to cheer for their favorite teams. The TNPL has gained a reputation for producing thrilling matches, with players showcasing their skills in batting, bowling, and fielding. The league has also been a platform for many young cricketers to make a name for themselves and catch the attention of national selectors.

Apart from the on-field action, the TNPL also promotes the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. It provides an opportunity for players to learn and grow, both as individuals and as a team. The tournament also contributes to the development of cricket infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, with improved facilities and training programs being implemented.

The Tamil Nadu Premier League has garnered a significant following among cricket enthusiasts, not only in Tamil Nadu but also across India. It has become a platform for fans to witness high-quality cricket and support their local teams. The tournament has also attracted the attention of sponsors and broadcasters, further enhancing its reach and popularity.

Overall, the Tamil Nadu Premier League is a celebration of cricketing excellence, showcasing the rich talent pool and love for the sport in Tamil Nadu. It is a must-watch tournament for cricket fans, offering thrilling matches, emerging talents, and a vibrant atmosphere that truly captures the essence of the game.