Greater Noida's Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium is set to host the second season of the Big Cricket League (BCL), a T20 tournament that brings together former international cricketers and amateur players selected through nationwide trials. The event will run from June 3 to June 13.
Star-Studded Lineup and Free Entry
Cricketers including Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Chris Gayle, Ross Taylor, Thisara Perera, and Tillakaratne Dilshan are among those confirmed to play. Greater Noida Authority CEO NG Ravi Kumar held a meeting with all concerned departments and directed them to complete preparations. "The Greater Noida Authority is also extending support as a partner for the event. Entry to the stadium for all matches will be free of charge," he said.
Unique Amateur-Professional Format
BCL chief patron Puneet Singh stated that the tournament will feature six franchise teams competing in eighteen T20 matches. "A unique aspect of the league is that sixty amateur cricketers selected from across the country will get an opportunity to play alongside these legendary players," he said. The tournament is promoted as the country's first professional-amateur cricket league, where amateur players from across India get a chance to share the field with renowned cricketers.
Broadcast and Previous Season
The inaugural season was held in December 2024 in Surat, Gujarat, where Mumbai Marines defeated Southern Spartans to become the first champions. Officials confirmed that matches will be broadcast live on Eurosport, with digital streaming available on FanCode. Additionally, the 11-day tournament will be telecast live in more than 25 countries through the league's associated broadcast networks.
Stadium Background
Greater Noida's Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex has served as a home ground for the Afghanistan national cricket team. The stadium is named after Vijay Singh Pathik, an Indian revolutionary who fought against British rule.
