CRICKET ICON Sourav Ganguly has joined Tiigers of Kolkata as co-owner and mentor for the upcoming Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 3, scheduled to take place at the Lalabhai Contractor Stadium in Surat from 9 January to 6 February 2026.
His appointment as co-owner signals a long-term association with the franchise, bringing together his cricketing philosophy and leadership credentials. In his mentoring role, Ganguly will play a central part in shaping the team’s direction and strengthening its talent development pathway, according to a release.
Ganguly’s influence extends well beyond on-field results. India’s seventh-highest run-scorer in Tests and fourth-highest in ODIs, and popularly known as “Dada”, he brings a wealth of experience to the setup. With the ISPL’s T10 tennis-ball format deeply rooted in gully cricket where instinct, timing and quick decision-making are paramount, his involvement is aimed at converting raw street-level talent into a structured and sustainable long-term cricketing pathway.
Ganguly said, “I’m excited to begin this new journey with Aspect Sports and Tiigers of Kolkata as a co-owner and mentor. Tennis-ball cricket has always been close to the roots of the game. That foundation is especially strong in the East and across Kolkata. My focus will be on helping these players shape their natural instincts into match-winning habits, while creating a clear pathway for growth. Development needs clarity, trust, and patience, and I’m glad to be part of a setup that values all three.”
Tiigers of Kolkata co-owner Aksha Kamboj expressed, “Our vision for Tiigers of Kolkata has always been to grow cricket across the country, with a strong focus on the East and its deep pool of raw talent. Having Sourav Ganguly join us as a co-owner is incredibly special. He is a living legend of Indian cricket and someone who understands grassroots development better than most. His belief in backing players early and building strong foundations aligns completely with our long-term vision, and his presence gives Tiigers both credibility and direction as we build for the future.”
ISPL league commissioner Suraj Samat added, “Sourav Ganguly’s association with the Tiigers of Kolkata franchise at the Indian Street Premier League adds immense value to the ecosystem we are building. His journey as a player, captain, and leader has always been about strengthening structures and trusting talent at the grassroots. As ISPL continues to grow as a platform for street and tennis-ball cricketers, his involvement with the team elevates both the league’s credibility and its long-term vision.”
