Aakash Chopra Calls for Recognition of Tennis-Ball Cricket Talent

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra is advocating for the recognition of tennis-ball cricket talent, emphasizing its unique skills and the need for equal opportunities on larger platforms. With the Beyond Reach Premier League set to launch, he reflects on his own cricketing journey and the exceptional talent found in this format. Chopra argues that perceptions around tennis-ball cricket must evolve, as it showcases a different yet valuable skill set. Discover more about his insights and the upcoming league in this article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 02:01 IST

Advocating for Tennis-Ball Cricket

Delhi [India] - Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has emphasized the importance of acknowledging talent in tennis-ball cricket, arguing 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).

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

Reflecting on his own cricketing journey, Chopra noted that he did not engage in gully or tennis-ball cricket, having entered the structured cricket scene at a very young age.

“I actually did not play tennis-ball cricket. I began 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-ball or gully cricket, but I missed that experience and played with a leather ball instead,” Aakash Chopra shared.

Chopra pointed out the unique skill set that tennis-ball cricket fosters, asserting that this format often produces remarkable yet overlooked talent.

“These are two distinct types of balls, and why should talent be limited to the leather ball? Looking back, after witnessing a lot of tennis-ball cricket across the nation, the quality is impressive — the stroke-making and bowling, particularly variations like leg cutters and off cutters,” he remarked.

The former Indian cricketer further stressed the need to change perceptions surrounding tennis-ball cricket, as it requires a different but equally significant skill set.

“If we believe that not playing with a leather ball means you don’t have a future, that’s incorrect. It’s still a sport involving a bat and ball — just with a different skill set that deserves acknowledgment,” Aakash Chopra concluded.