Season 2 of the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL) powered by digital entertainment and technology company JetSynthesys, got underway at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, marking the first time that the Garden City has hosted the league’s national launch.
Conceptualised and developed by JetSynthesys, GEPL has swiftly evolved into one of India’s most structured and franchise-led esports properties — bringing together the nation’s cricketing fervour and the dynamism of competitive gaming.
This season features six city-based franchises, each backed by prominent names from India’s entrepreneurial and entertainment ecosystem:
Mumbai Grizzlies – Owned by Sara Tendulkar, the entrepreneur and philanthropist daughter of cricket ion Schn Tendulkar
Delhi Sharks – Owned by Peyush Bansal, founder & CEO, Lenskart
Bengaluru Badgers – Co-owned by Nikhil Kamath (co-founder, Zerodha & True Beacon), Ankit Nagori (founder, Curefoods), and Prashant Prakash (founding partner, Accel India)
Chennai Falcons – Co-owned by Gopal Srinivasan (chairman, TVS Capital Funds), Madhusudanan R (founder, YAP), and Arjun Santhanakrishnan (investor & entrepreneur)
Hyderabad Rhinos – Owned by Amit Mehta, director, LNB Group
Pune Stallions – Owned by Suniel Shetty, Bollywood actor, entrepreneur, and cricket enthusiast
The opening day witnessed strong on-ground participation from league stakeholders, including JetSynthesys founder & CEO Rajan Navani, and franchise owners Sara Tendulkar, Prashant Prakash, Ankit Nagori, Amit Mehta, and Gopal Srinivasan — underlining the growing investor confidence in India’s esports landscape.
Speaking at the launch, Navani said: “GEPL reflects our commitment to building structured and scalable formats that bring India’s video gaming and sports cultures together. With Bengaluru hosting the opening for the first time and some of the country’s most credible business minds backing the league, Season 2 is a leap forward in making esports more mainstream, aspirational, and commercially viable.”
Expressing her excitement, Sara Tendulkar said: “Cricket is deeply personal for me — it’s in our family’s DNA, a thread that ties generations together. I’ve seen how sport can inspire, unite, and empower. With GEPL, I see the future — a bold, digital frontier of cricket that reflects how today’s youth connect, compete, and create communities. I want to play my part in powering this ecosystem, where young Indians not only engage as fans but also explore exciting new career avenues.”
As a co-owner of the home team (Bengaluru Badgers), Prakash pointed to the potential of e-cricket to create national icons: “GEPL has the potential to give us the Dhoni or Virat Kohli of e-cricket — individuals who can inspire pride, followership, and global recognition.”
Highlighting the cultural relevance of Bengaluru co-owner Nagori added: “Bengaluru is at the intersection of talent, technology, and youth culture. Supporting an esports team here felt instinctive — this is where the future of fan engagement is heading.”
From an investor’s lens, Chennai Falcons co-owner Srinivasan said, “GEPL is a meaningful step toward building a sustainable, investable esports ecosystem in India. The league’s format and quality of participation make it an exciting platform for both business and talent.”
Hyderabad Rhinos owner Mehta, who has long championed digital-first ventures, noted: “I’ve always believed in platforms that amplify young voices. GEPL gives rising esports athletes a real shot at visibility, reward, and community recognition.”
GEPL CEO Rohit Potphode added: “The energy and enthusiasm we witnessed on the opening day of GEPL season 2 was truly phenomenal. From the electric atmosphere to the incredible response from fans, players, and team owners—it was a powerful reminder of how far the league has come. This season is all about taking e-cricket to the next level, and today’s (Sunday) kick-off has set the perfect tone for the days ahead. We’re excited for what’s to come.”
Day 1 of GEPL Season 2 featured four matches, including a double header for the home team Bengaluru Badgers and Mumbai Grizzlies. The tournament is being streamed live on JioHotstar and broadcast across the country on Star Sports, delivering the thrill of e-cricket to millions of fans across India.
Season 2 of GEPL marks a major milestone in the league’s evolution, with player registrations soaring from 2 lakh in season 1 to over 9.1 lakh this year — a phenomenal five-fold surge. The upcoming edition raises the bar with enhanced league dynamics, elite talent, and next-level action powered by Real Cricket 24.
This season will feature 34 matches and an upgraded prize pool of Rs 3.05 crore (up from Rs 2.51 crore), as GEPL continues to blur the lines between traditional cricket and cutting-edge esports through its immersive gameplay and franchise-based team format.
Suniel Shetty newest addition to GEPL team owner roster
JetSynthesys has welcomed Suniel Shetty as owner of the Pune franchise in the second season of GEPL.
Addressing the announcement, Navani said: “We are thrilled to welcome Suniel Shetty to the GEPL family. His enduring love for cricket, combined with his entrepreneurial drive and youth-centric approach, makes him an ideal partner to take GEPL forward. With Suniel on board, we’re confident this season will captivate fans and inspire the next generation of digital cricket talent.”
A passionate supporter of cricket, Shetty’s involvement with the sport — both professionally and personally — is well known. From grassroots initiatives to strategic investments in sports-led platforms, his deep-rooted commitment to youth, fitness, and cricket now finds new ground in the world of e-cricket. By entering the dynamic space of esports, Shetty is taking this passion to the next level, helping GEPL inspire a new generation of players and fans alike.
Commenting on his association with GEPL, Shetty said: “Cricket has always been close to my heart — from playing it, supporting it, to now investing in its digital future. GEPL is redefining how fans engage with the game, and I’m excited to be part of a league that’s breaking new ground and igniting passion among India’s youth through e-cricket.”
Potphode added: “Season 2 of the Global E-Cricket Premier League is shaping up to be bigger and more exciting, and we’re thrilled to welcome Suniel Shetty as a franchise owner. His involvement brings strong leadership and star appeal to the league, further reinforcing our commitment to building a world-class e-cricket ecosystem.”
With Pune now on board, GEPL reinforces its position at the cutting edge of India’s esports revolution — cementing its place as the country’s first and largest franchise-based e-cricket league that’s redefining the future of digital sport.
