THE moment has finally arrived!
After years of planning and preparations, Vidarbha Cricket Association’s (VCA) dream will translate into reality when the maiden edition of Vidarbha Pro T20 League (VPTL) kicks-off at the state-of-art Jamtha Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
“It was a dream of former President Adv Adwait Manohar to have VCA’s own T20 league on the lines of IPL and today we are at the cusp of achieving that dream,” VPTL Chairman Prashant Vaidya had said a few days back during the launching function of the 6-team league.
The tournament will also see three women’s team fighting out for the coveted trophy.

The T20 extravaganza will begin with the match between Pagariya Strikers and Nagpur Titans on Thursday afternoon (2.45 pm) followed by a grand opening ceremony in the evening (7.45 pm).
Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam will entertain the crowd with his famous numbers.
The tournament has got extra gloss with India T20 stumper Jitesh Sharma leading Neco Master Blasters’ team.

The participating teams, Neco Master Blaster (owned by the Neco Group), Orange Tigers (owned by Abhijit Realtors and Infraventures Pvt Ltd), Nagpur Titans (owned by the Sanvijay Group), Bharat Rangers (owned by Rohit Iron and Steel (India) Pvt Ltd), Nagpur Heroz (owned by Lily Infraventures) and Pagariya Strikers (owned by the Pagariya Group) have been given a 16-member squad each by the VCA for this inaugural  edition to make it balanced sides for all.

Jitesh was an integral part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru which won the 18th edition of IPL title on Tuesday night. He would aim to continue in the same vein when his side steps into the field on Friday against Bharat Rangers.

On the opening day, Yash Kadam-led Pagariya Strikers will lock horns with Vidarbha Ranji title winning captain Akshay Wadkar-captained team Nagpur Titans.
Both teams look balanced with talented cricketers from Vidarbha in their fold.
While Pagariya Strikers have batters like Mohd Faiz, Dhruv Shorey apart from captain Yash Kadam at the top, Nagpur Titans boasts of Satyam Bhoyar and hard-hitting batter Shubham Dubey who was part of Rajasthan Royals in IPL. Pagariya Strikers’ bowling department will be handled by seamers Sooraj Rai and Dipesh Parwani while pacers Aditya Thakare and Dushyant Tekan will spearhead Nagpur Titans’ pace attack.

VPTL Chairman Vaidya had said, “The Vidarbha Premier T20 League is more than just a tournament — it is a celebration of regional cricket and an opportunity for young players to shine.” The next 11 days would be an opportunity for the regional players to show their talent and get noticed.

The Vidarbha Pro T20 League (VPTL) 2025 Governing Council, in collaboration with the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA), will be providing special complimentary access for VCA members to the opening match followed by the Sonu Nigam Live in Concert on Thursday.

VCA members, their spouses and dependants will be granted complimentary entry to the event. To avail complimentary entry, members must present their valid VCA Membership Card at Gate No 12. Members will have to request enter through the specially designated members stand entrance. Initial seating will be provided within this stand, informs a press release.

Members can watch the opening match beginning at 2:45 pm from the members stand. Following the match, VCA members will be facilitated to move to the top floor of the members stand/designated VCA members area for an enhanced viewing experience of the Sonu Nigam Live in Concert event.