Will India Host the First Tennis Cricket Ball World Cup and Asia Cup?

New Delhi, May 13 (NationPress) Tennis cricket, a beloved backyard activity that embodies India’s fervor for the sport, is on the verge of gaining international recognition with the upcoming launch of the inaugural Tennis Cricket Ball World Cup and Asia Cup, both set to take place in India.

This represents a significant milestone as tennis ball cricket ascends to the global arena with its first official international and continental competitions.

In light of the sport’s swift grassroots expansion in India, the International Tennis Cricket Federation (ITCF) has endorsed this groundbreaking initiative.

This decision follows the observation of the flourishing popularity and scale of domestic tennis ball cricket tournaments across India, culminating in the creation of a new league format known as the Dream League of India. This league will serve as the official selection ground for India’s teams in these international events.

Participants in the Dream League will have the chance to represent India in both the World Cup and the Asia Cup.

The league will occur nationwide, ensuring ample participation and the discovery of hidden talents from even the most remote areas. Over 1,500 certified coaches will oversee the fair trials conducted in various districts, allowing junior (ages 13–18) and senior (18+) players to showcase their abilities.

Structured into two distinct categories—juniors and seniors—each will feature six competitive franchises. Following nationwide trials, 860 players from each category will be shortlisted for the league auction, where teams will draft their rosters. Top performers will not only attract the attention of ITCF selectors but will also compete for a place in India’s tennis cricket squad on the international front.

Players who remain unsold during the auction will still have opportunities, as they can compete in the country’s largest Inter-Zonal Tournament, providing a second chance for achieving glory. Zonal champions will advance to the All-Zonal Championship, where the winners will face the Dream League champion in the opener of the next season, ensuring a continually evolving, merit-based progression.

Discussing this initiative, a league director remarked on the transformative potential of the Dream League, stating, "This platform will allow deserving talents—those who might otherwise remain unnoticed—to represent India on the international stage. It’s more than just a league; it’s about converting raw potential into national pride."

Echoing this sentiment, the president of the Tennis Cricket Association of India mentioned, “This league isn’t just a platform; it’s a gateway to international acknowledgment. Players who excel will have the privilege of wearing the national jersey in global tournaments. This is where aspirations meet opportunity.”

To boost its national appeal and visibility, the Dream League has enlisted notable personalities as ambassadors. Bollywood star Sonu Sood has been appointed as League Commissioner, recognized for his grassroots outreach and commitment to sports development. Joining him is music legend Salim Merchant, adding cultural and youthful credibility to the initiative.