Northern challengers

The Big Cricket League: Big Cricket League (BCL), which will have former internationals play with aspiring amateur Indian cricketers, has joined hands with national broadcaster Prasar Bharati in a landmark long-term deal. The inaugural edition of BCL will be held in September 2024 in Lucknow.

This association will see the Big Cricket League broadcast on DD Sports across the country and also, and Prasar Bharati will be promoting the league across its network. The Big Cricket League's first season will be televised internationally in more than 30 countries. It will feature six teams, namely Awadh Lions, Northern Challengers, Rajasthan Kings, Mumbai Marines, Southern Spartans and Bengal Rhinos.

A council of eminent former cricketers, led by the League Commissioner & Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, will oversee the league. Former Indian pacer Rudra Pratap Singh and legendary West Indian fast bowler Courtney Walsh are the BCL’s President and Vice-President, respectively.