The Big Cricket League (BCL) is set to return with its second season from March 11 to March 22, 2026, at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Greater Noida. Positioned as the world’s first Pro-Am cricket league, BCL once again brings together established international cricketers and emerging amateur players under one competitive structure.
After a well-received debut season, the tournament is aiming to raise its competitive standards and visibility in its second edition.
Auction to Shape Team Combinations
The player auction, scheduled for February 16, will play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of Season 2. Franchises are expected to focus on squad balance, combining experienced international names with promising amateur cricketers.
Team strategy at the auction table could be decisive, particularly in ensuring depth across departments. The Pro-Am format requires careful planning, as amateur players are not just squad additions but integral to team combinations and match outcomes.
International Experience Adds Weight
Season 1 featured well-known international cricketers including Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs and Imran Tahir. Their participation brought experience and competitive intensity to the league.
With more international players expected to join Season 2, the overall standard of cricket is likely to improve further. The presence of seasoned professionals also offers invaluable exposure to amateur players sharing the field with them.
Organisational Backing
The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) is supporting the event, with preparations underway to ensure smooth conduct of the 12-day tournament.
Prerna Singh, ACEO, Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), said,
“Greater Noida Authority actively supports initiatives that combine sporting excellence with regional advancement. Hosting Big Cricket League Season 2 at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium is a significant step toward positioning the city as a leading sports destination in the region.”
League Vision and Long-Term Growth
League Commissioner Dilip Vengsarkar highlighted the broader objective of the tournament.
"We are proud to bring Season 2 of the Big Cricket League to Uttar Pradesh, with the support of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA). As the world’s first Pro-Am cricket league, BCL is committed to building a professional platform where emerging amateur talent competes alongside established international cricketers. Uttar Pradesh’s strong focus on developing world-class sports infrastructure provides the ideal environment for this vision to thrive. Through this season, we aim to further strengthen the pathway for aspiring cricketers across the state turning ‘Ab Sapne Banenge Haqeeqat’ into a tangible opportunity on the field."
Founder and President Rudra Pratap Singh termed Season 2 a defining moment for the league.
"Season 2 marks a defining milestone for the Big Cricket League. The support from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) reinforces our vision of building India’s most powerful Pro-Am cricket platform. With international stars joining hands with emerging amateur talent, this season will set new benchmarks in competitive cricket."
Chief Patron Puneet Singh emphasised structural improvements.
"The response to Season 1 validated our model. Season 2 is not just an expansion it is an evolution. From the player auction on 16th February to the grand matches in March, every aspect of this season has been strategically elevated to deliver scale, quality, and impact."
CEO and Co-Founder Annirudh Chauhan pointed to sustainability and scale.
"Season 2 represents scale, structure, and serious cricketing ambition. With support from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), BCL is entering a new phase of growth. Our focus is not just on hosting matches, but on building a sustainable platform where global professionals and India’s rising amateur talent compete at the highest level."
A Different Competitive Model
What distinguishes BCL is its inclusive structure. The league allows individuals from diverse professional backgrounds including doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, lawyers and farmers to compete alongside international cricketers. However, participation is performance-driven, ensuring competitive integrity.
As the countdown to March 11 begins, Season 2 of the Big Cricket League is set to test its evolving model once again. With international experience, amateur ambition and organisational backing in place, the tournament is expected to draw significant interest within India’s domestic cricket ecosystem.
