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Wikipedia - Tamil Nadu Premier League
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$140,000). 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$3.9 million) with the highest bid at ₹52.1 million (US$600,000).
| Owner | Franchise city | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Thoothukudi Sports & Entertainments | Thoothukudi | ₹52.1 million (US$600,000) |
| Metronation Chennai Television | Chennai | ₹51.3 million (US$590,000) |
| Lyca Productions | Coimbatore | ₹50.1 million (US$580,000) |
| Kothari (Madras) International | Madurai | ₹40.01 million (US$460,000) |
| Ruby Builders | Kanchipuram | ₹36.9 million (US$430,000) |
| VB Cricket Academy | Thiruvallur | ₹34.8 million (US$400,000) |
| Take Solutions | Dindigul | ₹34.2 million (US$400,000) |
| Chettinad Apparels | Karaikkudi | ₹33.0 million (US$380,000) |
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 league features franchise-based teams representing various cities and districts across Tamil Nadu, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere. Matches are held in iconic stadiums, drawing enthusiastic crowds and fostering a festive spirit among fans. The TNPL is known for its fast-paced action, thrilling finishes, and the emergence of young talent, making it a crucial part of the cricketing calendar in India.
With a focus on promoting grassroots cricket, the TNPL also emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship and community engagement. The tournament not only entertains but also contributes to the development of cricket in Tamil Nadu, inspiring the next generation of players. As the league continues to grow, it remains a celebration of cricket, culture, and camaraderie in the heart of Tamil Nadu.