JITO Premier League 2026 Franchise Auction Sets New Benchmark for Community Cricket in India
Mumbai:* The JITO Premier League (JPL) 2026 has successfully concluded its landmark Franchise Owners Auction, marking a defining moment in the evolution of community-driven cricket in India.
Addressing the occasion, Mr. Vicky Oswal, Chairman JPL, said:* “This auction is not just about owning teams, it is about building a vision for the future of community cricket. The overwhelming response and the scale at which franchises were acquired reflect the belief our community has in this platform. JPL is here to create real opportunities, nurture talent, and take our players to the next level.
The evening witnessed exceptional energy, strategic bidding, and strong participation from Jain business leaders and entrepreneurs across the country. What stood out was not just the competitive spirit, but the shared commitment to be part of a larger movement that blends sport, community, and opportunity.
In a historic first for India, a community-led league conducted a full-scale franchise auction where teams were acquired at remarkable and unprecedented valuations, setting a new benchmark for similar initiatives nationwide.
A total of 12 franchises were successfully taken up, each representing key cities and regions across India. Each team now carries the responsibility of developing talent and strengthening the sporting ecosystem within the community.
Franchises & Team Owners:
Chennai Tuskars – Mr. Rajesh Chandan
Maharashtra Peshwas – Mr. Ujjwal Pagaria, Pagaria Group
Indore Eklavyas – Mr. Prateek Surya & Mr. Mayank Doshi
Gujarat Warriors – Mr. Nitin Jain (Surat)
Mumbai Falcons – Mr. Jayent Jain, Mr. Jayesh Bhansali & Team
Bengaluru Eagles – Mr. Mahendra Bafna, Mr. Vishal C. Jain & Team
Kolkata Thunders – RDB Group – Mr. Vinod Dugar
Pune Tigers – Mr. Vijay Bhandari, Mr. Vishal Chordia & Team
Rajasthan Rakshaks – JYF Infinity & Team
Delhi Imperials – Pavna Sports & Entertainment – Mr. Swapnil Jain
Hyderabadi Marfa – Mr. Gautam Sehlot
Mumbai SOBO Stars – JYF Friends & Team
The auction featured several high-intensity bidding moments, showcasing the strong confidence stakeholders have in the league’s long-term vision and impact.
The initiative stands guided by the visionary leadership of Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, Chairman JITO Apex and is driven by the bold vision and powerful execution of Mr. Vicky Oswal, Chairman JITO Sports & JPL, whose efforts have been instrumental in transforming this long-standing dream into reality.
The event was graced by esteemed JITO leaders including:
Mr. Vijay Bhandari (President Apex, Mr. Kamlesh Sajotia (Vice President Apex), Mr. Lalit Dangi (Secretary General Apex), Mr. Sampat Chaplot (Treasurer – Apex), Mr. Jinendra Kumar Munot (Director In-Charge – Sports), and Mr. Bhavik Sakaria (Chief Secretary – Sports), along with members of the Apex body and JITO Sports Committee.
Adding further inspiration to the evening, the event was attended by Sahil Parakh, a promising young Indian cricketer associated with the Delhi Daredevils (IPL 2026), who is also a product of the JITO Sports Professional Program — highlighting the league’s commitment to nurturing real talent.
At its core, the JITO Premier League is built to provide a structured, professional platform for youth from the community to showcase their cricketing abilities and progress to higher levels of the sport.
With the successful completion of the franchise auction, JPL 2026 now moves into its next phase — team building, player auctions, and season preparations, leading up to what promises to be a highly competitive and impactful tournament. JITO Premier League 2026 is not just a cricket league, it is a movement to create opportunities, build connections, and elevate community talent onto bigger platforms.
