Greater Noida is set to take centre stage in March as the Big Cricket League (BCL), recognised as the world’s first Pro-Am cricket league, returns for its second season. The tournament will be held at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium from March 11 to March 22, 2026, bringing together established international cricketers and aspiring Indian amateurs on a single competitive platform.
For 12 days, the city will serve as a focal point for a format that continues to distinguish BCL from traditional tournaments. The Pro-Am structure, which allows non-traditional and emerging players to compete alongside seasoned professionals, remains the league’s defining identity.
The inaugural season demonstrated the viability of the concept, drawing lively crowds and delivering high-intensity contests. The presence of recognised international names alongside ambitious amateur cricketers generated attention across the cricketing fraternity and positioned the league as a fresh addition to the domestic cricket landscape. With Season 2, organisers are aiming to build on that momentum.
The player auction, scheduled for February 16, is expected to generate significant interest, with franchises assembling squads that combine global experience and promising amateur talent. The strategic decisions made at the auction table are likely to shape the competitive balance of the tournament.
Season 1 featured internationally acclaimed cricketers including Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs and Imran Tahir. Their participation added both star appeal and competitive intensity to the league. With more international players expected to feature in the upcoming edition, anticipation around the competition has heightened.
The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has extended support in facilitating the hosting of Season 2, with preparations currently underway at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium to ensure smooth conduct of the tournament.
Prerna Singh, ACEO of GNIDA, underscored the wider significance of the event.
“Greater Noida Authority actively supports initiatives that combine sporting excellence with regional advancement. Hosting Big Cricket League Season 2 at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium is a significant step toward positioning the city as a leading sports destination in the region,” she said.
League Commissioner Dilip Vengsarkar highlighted the league’s long-term vision.
“We are proud to bring Season 2 of the Big Cricket League to Uttar Pradesh, with the support of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA). As the world’s first Pro-Am cricket league, BCL is committed to building a professional platform where emerging amateur talent competes alongside established international cricketers. Uttar Pradesh’s strong focus on developing world-class sports infrastructure provides the ideal environment for this vision to thrive. Through this season, we aim to further strengthen the pathway for aspiring cricketers across the state turning ‘Ab Sapne Banenge Haqeeqat’ into a tangible opportunity on the field,” he said.
Founder and President Rudra Pratap Singh described the upcoming season as a pivotal moment for the league.
“Season 2 marks a defining milestone for the Big Cricket League. The support from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) reinforces our vision of building India’s most powerful Pro-Am cricket platform. With international stars joining hands with emerging amateur talent, this season will set new benchmarks in competitive cricket,” he said.
Chief Patron Puneet Singh said the progression from the first edition was evident.
“The response to Season 1 validated our model. Season 2 is not just an expansion it is an evolution. From the player auction on 16th February to the grand matches in March, every aspect of this season has been strategically elevated to deliver scale, quality and impact,” he noted.
CEO and Co-Founder Annirudh Chauhan outlined the league’s broader ambition.
“Season 2 represents scale, structure and serious cricketing ambition. With support from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), BCL is entering a new phase of growth. Our focus is not just on hosting matches, but on building a sustainable platform where global professionals and India’s rising amateur talent compete at the highest level,” he said.
At its core, the Big Cricket League remains anchored in the idea of opportunity. It provides a stage where individuals from diverse professions — including doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, farmers and marketers — can compete alongside established international cricketers. The emphasis is not merely on participation, but on performance under pressure.
As March approaches, Greater Noida prepares for more than a cricket tournament. Season 2 of the Big Cricket League promises sharper rivalries, fuller stands and a renewed blend of experience and ambition under the stadium lights.
