Pune: JetSynthesys, a digital entertainment and technology firm, has onboarded Nikhil Kamath, Co-founder of Zerodha, Ankit Nagori, Founder of Curefoods, and Prashant Prakash, Partner at Accel, as joint team owners for the Bengaluru franchise in the upcoming Season 2 of the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL).
Following a successful inaugural season that attracted over 200,000 registrations, this year’s league is set to elevate the competitive spirit with a new team format and selection mechanism. Last year, the tournament featured a rigorous selection process that identified the top 64 players, culminating in an exciting finale showcasing JetSynthesys’ leading cricket video game, Real Cricket. GEPL Season 1 garnered a cumulative reach of over 70 million and significant viewership on JioCinema.
Rajan Navani, CEO and founder, JetSynthesys, expressed his enthusiasm about these developments, “We are thrilled to welcome Nikhil Kamath, Ankit Nagori, and Prashant Prakash to the GEPL family. Their involvement is a testament to the growing recognition of e-cricket as a mainstream sport. With an expanded team format and new league guidelines, we are set to elevate the competitive spirit and excitement to new heights globally.”
The new team owners also shared their excitement about joining the league.
Nikhil Kamath remarked, “The gaming industry is incredibly exciting right now, especially with how fast things are moving in India. We’ve reached a point where we’re not just participating in global gaming—we’re creating esportable games for the world. Real Cricket is a prime example of that. Partnering with Rajan and JetSynthesys for the Global e-Cricket Premier League is a good opportunity to help foster and inspire young talent in this dynamic space. I’m keen to see what we can achieve together and to play a role in shaping the future of esports in India.”
Ankit Nagori added, “I’m truly passionate about the video gaming industry and excited about the vision JetSynthesys has for taking cricket to the world as India’s premier esport. This is my way of giving back and supporting the next generation of gamers. I believe in their potential, and I’m here to help them shine in a space that’s evolving so quickly. Together, I believe we can turn gaming into the next big contributor to India GDP, and also a fulfilling career for many talented individuals.”
Prashanth Prakash stated, “I’m thrilled to be part of the Global e-Cricket Premier League and to contribute to the growth of esports in India. This partnership with JetSynthesys aligns perfectly with my passion for innovation and my belief in the potential of cricket as a global esport. Together, we can create a vibrant ecosystem that empowers aspiring gamers and showcases their talent on an international stage.”
Rohit Potphode, CEO & League Commissioner of GEPL, enthused on the occasion, “We’re excited to welcome Nikhil Kamath, Ankit Nagori, and Prashant Prakash as our franchise team owners for this thrilling season. This year, the league promises to be bigger than ever, uniting players, franchise owners, fans, and sponsors to create immense value and deliver unforgettable experiences for everyone involved.”
The upcoming season aims to enhance job opportunities within the esports sector, including event management and broadcasting, while offering competitive salaries to top players. The finals for GEPL Season 2 are scheduled for January 2025, promising to captivate players and audiences alike. By merging cricket, gaming, and entertainment, GEPL continues to provide a platform for emerging esports athletes to showcase their talents on a global stage.
