How Are the MPL: Jabalpur Royal Lions Promoting Grassroots Cricket with ‘Cricket 4 All’?

Gwalior, June 5 (NationPress) The Jabalpur Royal Lions, champions of the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup, began their title defence with a resounding declaration: cricket is for everyone on Thursday.

The evening was highlighted by the official unveiling of Season 2 of the MPL T20 Scindia Cup, set to commence on June 12.

As part of this initiative, the Jabalpur Royal Lions have committed to donating three cricket kit bags for every half-century achieved by their players during the upcoming season. This program aims to link professional cricket with the aspirations of underprivileged children, giving them the chance to engage in the sport with adequate resources and backing.

The event was attended by Union Minister and MPL Patron Jyotiraditya Scindia, alongside notable figures from the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), Gwalior Division Cricket Association (GDCA), MPL Council, team proprietors, league sponsors, media personnel, and distinguished cricketers.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the ownership group of the Jabalpur Royal Lions delivered a heartfelt speech that reflected their twin goal: to establish the MPL as the leading platform for emerging cricket talent in the state while ensuring the sport impacts lives beyond the confines of the stadium.

The introduction of a new team anthem and updated branding further amplified the excitement of the evening, with players joining Scindia on stage in a symbolic act of togetherness and intention.

During his keynote address, Scindia praised the initiative, stating: “I commend the Jabalpur Royal Lions for launching the 'Cricket 4 All' initiative. It represents a crucial initial step in nurturing grassroots talent and elevating Madhya Pradesh cricket to new heights.”

Team representative Luv Malik echoed these sentiments, saying,

“We take pride in being a part of this significant journey. Through ‘Cricket 4 All’, we aspire to give back to Madhya Pradesh and its budding athletes who dream of achieving greatness in cricket.”

The event also honored MPL alumni who have advanced to the national level, including selections into the IPL and WPL, acknowledging their journeys and motivating the next generation of players.

Adding another important milestone to the evening, all team owners unanimously committed to generating job opportunities, pledging two jobs per team annually as part of the MPL’s broader dedication to social responsibility and development.

A major highlight was the unveiling of the MPL-W Trophy, marking the initiation of the inaugural women’s edition of the league - a significant advancement in fostering gender inclusivity within state-level cricket.