Bollywood actor and humanitarian Sonu Sood has kicked off an exciting new cricket league called the Dream League of India (DLI). This league focuses on tennis ball cricket — a popular version of the sport played in streets and open spaces across the country. The grand launch took place in New Delhi and marked the beginning of a platform that aims to discover raw cricket talent from every corner of India.
Opportunities for Juniors and Seniors
The Dream League of India is open to two age groups: juniors (13 to 18 years old) and seniors (18 and above). In total, six teams in each category will compete in the tournament. The goal is to identify the best players and provide them with opportunities to play for the Indian tennis ball cricket team on an international level.
Sonu Sood Takes the Lead
Sonu Sood is not only the face of the league, but he has also been named the League Commissioner. Speaking at the launch, he shared his passion for giving young athletes a platform to shine:
“Dreams are meant to be chased — and realized. The Dream League of India is not just about a game, it’s about giving wings to thousands of young athletes across India. I am proud to be part of a movement that will inspire, uplift, and transform the sporting landscape.”
Adding more star power to the league, well-known musician Salim Merchant will be one of the six celebrity ambassadors.
Fair Trials and Equal Chances
One of the biggest highlights of the DLI is its open and transparent selection process. Anyone who wants to be part of the league can register for trials through the official Dream League website or the Starzpit App. The trials will be held across multiple districts and training centers, and will be supervised by over 1,500 certified coaches. This ensures that every player gets a fair chance to show their skills.
From these trials, 860 junior and 860 senior players will be shortlisted for the DLI auction, where teams will select their players for the season.
A Clear Path to the Top
Even players who don’t get picked in the auction will still have a shot at glory. They will take part in the country’s biggest Inter-Zonal Tournament. Winners from each zone will move on to the All-Zonal Championship. The champion team from this tournament will then face the Season 1 Franchise Champion in the opening match of Season 2.
This system creates a clear path for talented players to rise through the ranks and even get noticed by selectors from the International Tennis Cricket Federation (ITCF) and Tennis Cricket Association of India (TCAI).
Cricket Dreams Come True
The Dream League of India is more than just a cricket tournament — it’s a movement to give every cricket-loving youngster a chance to turn their dream into reality. With stars like Sonu Sood leading the way, the future looks bright for tennis ball cricket in India.
