By Rohit - Jun 28, 2025 01:17 PM
The growing wave of domestic T20 leagues in India just got stronger. Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) is all set to launch its own state-based T20 league starting from the 2025–26 domestic season. The announcement was confirmed by Anil Patel, secretary of the GCA, marking Gujarat’s official entry into India’s ever-expanding landscape of franchise-based local T20 competitions.
While exact dates and the number of teams are still being finalised, the move follows a successful trend seen across many other Indian state boards.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Anil Patel said the GCA is committed to launching the league, but the tournament window remains undecided. The board is also yet to finalise the team count, format, and venues.
“We have decided to go ahead with our own T20 league. The finer details, including the schedule and team structure, are being worked out,” Patel stated.
The announcement comes at a time when several other state boards — including Delhi, Mumbai, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra, Andhra, Madhya Pradesh, and Bengal — have already carved a space for their own T20 properties. These leagues have quickly grown into key scouting platforms for IPL franchises and selectors, helping young talent transition from domestic to elite-level cricket.
Gujarat has produced some big names in Indian cricket — from Axar Patel to Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja (Saurashtra). However, much of the emerging local talent remains under the radar due to the lack of exposure.
By launching a structured and televised T20 league, GCA hopes to:
It also aligns well with the BCCI’s broader domestic vision, which allows state associations to independently organize T20 tournaments during the offseason.
Most state T20 leagues are scheduled in the June-July window, right after the IPL ends in late May. However, this slot is becoming crowded.
Gujarat will need to find a unique window that avoids overlap with other leagues while still ensuring IPL scouts and broadcasters are available to watch.
Additionally, Gujarat has the benefit of infrastructure like the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, and several grounds in Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot — which could make hosting matches smoother.
In recent years, T20 leagues run by state boards have unearthed some remarkable talent. Players like:
They have all emerged through these setups and gone on to feature in the IPL or even India’s senior teams.
The Gujarat Cricket Association’s decision to start their own T20 league is not just about joining a trend — it’s about unlocking potential, empowering grassroots cricketers, and building a sustainable talent pipeline. With the right structure, partnerships, and visibility, this could be the start of a game-changing move for cricket in Gujarat.
All eyes will now be on the GCA as they announce further details about the format, owners, and schedule. Watch this space — Gujarat’s own T20 festival might just be around the corner.
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