Aakash Chopra Champions Tennis-Ball Cricket Talent in Upcoming League

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra is advocating for the recognition of tennis-ball cricket talent, emphasizing the unique skills it fosters. With the Beyond Reach Premier League (BRPL) set to launch soon, Chopra reflects on his own cricket journey and highlights the exceptional talent emerging from grassroots levels. He argues that the perception of tennis-ball cricket needs to evolve, as it offers a different yet valuable skill set. This article explores Chopra's insights and the upcoming league that aims to showcase aspiring cricketers from across India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 20:19 IST

Recognition for Tennis-Ball Cricket

Aakash Chopra, a former cricketer, has called for greater acknowledgment of talent in tennis-ball cricket. He believes that the skills and creativity emerging from grassroots levels should be given equal chances on larger platforms, such as the Beyond Reach Premier League (BRPL).

Details of the BRPL

The inaugural season of the BRPL is scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 10 this year. This league aims to attract aspiring and semi-professional cricketers aged between 18 and 40, representing 28 states and 8 Union Territories across India.

Chopra's Cricket Background

Reflecting on his own cricketing journey, Aakash Chopra mentioned that he did not engage in gully or tennis-ball cricket, as he began his structured cricket career at a very young age. He stated, "I actually did not play tennis ball cricket. I started with a season ball and joined a cricket club at the age of 9. I was at an age where I should have been playing tennis cricket, but I was playing with a leather ball instead."

The Unique Skills of Tennis-Ball Cricket

Chopra emphasized the unique skill set that tennis-ball cricket fosters, noting that it often produces exceptional yet overlooked talent. He remarked, "These are two different balls, and why should talent be limited to the leather ball? After observing tennis-ball cricket across the country, I can say the quality is remarkable, especially in stroke-making and bowling variations like leg cutters and off cutters."

Changing Perceptions

The former Indian cricketer stressed the need for a shift in how tennis-ball cricket is perceived, asserting that it requires a different but equally important skill set. He concluded, "If we believe that not playing with a leather ball means you have no future, that’s incorrect. It’s still a sport played with a bat and ball, just with a different skill set that deserves recognition."