Mumbai: Following the massive success of its inaugural season, the Entertainers Cricket League (ECL) is expanding by adding two new franchise teams for the upcoming second season. This expansion presents an exciting opportunity for investors to be part of one of the fastest-growing leagues in the country, as the tender process is now officially open. Prospective team owners must register by 25 October 2024, with the auction set for 6 November 2024.
The ECL captivated a fan base of over 700 million across digital platforms during its debut season, blending cricket with entertainment and bringing together social media superstars, entertainers, and fans from around the world. The league's fast-paced T10 format, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from 13-22 September 2024, achieved impressive metrics, including 506,000 peak concurrent viewers on YouTube, 20.56 million TV viewers, and 600 million minutes of watch time.
ECL founder, Himanshu Chandnani expressed his excitement about the league's growth: "The incredible response from fans, sponsors, and entertainers during the first season made it clear that ECL is more than just a cricket league—it’s a movement. By introducing two new teams, we’re giving even more stakeholders a chance to be part of this revolutionary format. The growth potential of ECL is massive, and this expansion offers a rare opportunity to tap into an audience that spans across sports and entertainment alike."
Key Details for Expansion and Tender Process
- Registration Deadline: 25 October 2024
- Registration Fee: Rs 51,000 + GST, with bidding starting at Rs 3 crore
- Auction Date: 6 November 2024
- Tender Guidelines: Available upon request
- Contact for Information: contact@eclt10.in
The ECL aims to expand to eight teams, welcoming business leaders, celebrities, sports enthusiasts, and social media icons to participate in its growth. The two new franchises will help balance the league, create more matches, and provide opportunities for entertainers and cricket enthusiasts. The winning bidders will also have the opportunity to choose their team's city, adding a personalized touch to their franchise.
The league's inaugural season saw six teams—Haryanvi Hunters, Lucknow Lions, Punjab Veers, Dynamic Delhi, Bangalore Bashers, and Mumbai Disruptors—compete for the championship. The final match concluded with Elvish Yadav’s Haryanvi Hunters defeating Anurag Dwivedi’s Lucknow Lions by eight wickets, solidifying the league's reputation for delivering thrilling moments in cricketainment.
