Patna: The demand for a Bihar-based Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise gained momentum on Friday after Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary backed Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal’s proposal for a state team in the tournament.
Agarwal's Proposal
Patna-born industrialist Anil Agarwal had earlier suggested on social media that Bihar deserved representation in the IPL, similar to Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders. He emphasized that the state had produced several talented cricketers who were excelling on the national stage.
CM's Response
Responding to Agarwal’s proposal, CM Samrat Choudhary posted on social media: “For the cricket ‘emotion’ of Bihar, the government is working in ‘mission’ mode with a clear ‘vision’. With your cooperation, a positive decision will certainly be taken regarding the Bihar cricket team.”
Agarwal quickly replied, “You have my full support and cooperation. My heartfelt best wishes to all the sporting talents of Bihar.”
Excitement Among Cricket Followers
The exchange sparked fresh excitement among cricket followers in Bihar, where calls for a state IPL franchise have grown stronger in recent years. Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) president Harshvardhan said the state already had a solid talent base, with five Bihar players currently featuring in the IPL — Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sakib Hussain, Akash Deep, and Sushant Mishra.
Infrastructure and Support
“Bihar has a good cricket infrastructure ready in Rajgir, and work on Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna is in progress. The enthusiastic cricket fans and audience of the state will be more than happy to see a state team in the IPL,” Harshvardhan said.
He, however, referred to reports suggesting the IPL may not expand before 2028. Despite that, he remained hopeful because of the visible support from the Bihar government. “But a Bihar team is possible as Samrat has shown interest and emotion for cricket, and the government recently awarded a cheque for Rs 1 crore to Ishan Kishan for his performance,” he added.
Agarwal's Emotional Appeal
Earlier on Friday, Agarwal had shared an emotional message on X, saying Bihar deserved recognition in cricket. “Don’t you feel that, much like the Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders, the incomparable Bihar deserves to have a team of its own? The soil of Bihar has gifted the nation many exceptional cricketers,” he wrote.
Highlighting Bihar’s cricketing talent, he added, “Patna-born Ishan Kishan holds the record for scoring the fastest double century in ODIs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from Samastipur became the youngest player to make an IPL debut.”
Agarwal also pledged support for the state’s cricket development. “For me, Bihar is not merely a state, but an emotion,” he concluded.
