Kolkata: Cricket icon Sourav Ganguly has joined Tiigers of Kolkata as Co-Owner and Mentor for the upcoming Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 3, strengthening the franchise’s long-term vision and cricketing philosophy. The T10 tennis-ball tournament will be held at the Lalabhai Contractor Stadium in Surat from January 9 to February 6.
Ganguly’s induction as co-owner signals a long-term association with the franchise, aligning his leadership experience and deep understanding of grassroots cricket with Tiigers of Kolkata’s broader ambition. In his mentoring role, Ganguly will work closely with the 18-member squad, playing a key part in shaping player development and building a sustainable pathway for emerging talent.
One of India’s most successful captains and among the country’s highest run-scorers in both Tests and ODIs, Ganguly brings experience that goes beyond on-field performance. Known as “Dada” across the cricketing world, his association with ISPL’s T10 tennis-ball format reflects the league’s roots in gully cricket, where instinct, timing, and decision-making are central to the game.
Speaking on the association, Ganguly said, “I’m excited to begin this new journey with Aspect Sports and Tiigers of Kolkata as a co-owner and mentor. Tennis-ball cricket has always been close to the roots of the game. That foundation is especially strong in the East and across Kolkata. My focus will be on helping these players shape their natural instincts into match-winning habits, while creating a clear pathway for growth. Development needs clarity, trust, and patience, and I’m glad to be part of a setup that values all three.”
Widely regarded as the architect of modern Indian cricket, Ganguly is credited with reshaping teams through belief, aggression, and clarity of purpose, backing a generation of players who went on to define the sport. His legacy as a leader and batsman now becomes part of Tiigers of Kolkata’s identity, reinforcing standards of excellence and ambition across ownership and player development.
Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson, Aspect Global Ventures, and Co-Owner, Tiigers of Kolkata, said, “Our vision for Tiigers of Kolkata has always been to grow cricket across the country, with a strong focus on the East and its deep pool of raw talent. Having Sourav Ganguly join us as a co-owner is incredibly special. He is a living legend of Indian cricket and someone who understands grassroots development better than most. His belief in backing players early and building strong foundations aligns completely with our long-term vision, and his presence gives Tiigers both credibility and direction as we build for the future.”
Suraj Samat, League Commissioner, Indian Street Premier League, added, “Sourav Ganguly’s association with the Tiigers of Kolkata franchise at the Indian Street Premier League adds immense value to the ecosystem we are building. His journey as a player, captain, and leader has always been about strengthening structures and trusting talent at the grassroots. As ISPL continues to grow as a platform for street and tennis-ball cricketers, his involvement with the team elevates both the league’s credibility and its long-term vision.”
Tiigers of Kolkata head into Season 3 with a settled core, retaining all-rounder Bhavesh Pawar, their highest signing Saif Ali at ₹23.65 lakh, and key contributors Saroj Pramanik and Rajat Mundhe. The squad also includes Hritik Patil, Shivam Kumar, Arish Khan, Krushna Gawali, Vivek Mohanan, Firdos Alam, Prabjot Singh, Kiran Pawar, Mahesh Nangude, Vivek Shelar, Pavan Kene, Karan More, along with under-19 talents Himanshu Patil and Ankit Yadav.
With Ganguly joining both the ownership group and cricketing setup, Tiigers of Kolkata enter ISPL Season 3 with a strengthened foundation rooted in Kolkata’s cricketing legacy, a clear development pathway, and leadership focused on long-term growth.
