IPL 2025: MP Has Top Cricket Players, Grounds & Spectators, Then Why Not A Team, Ask Locals
Cricket fans in Madhya Pradesh are disappointed by the lack of an IPL team despite talented players like Avesh Khan and Rajat Patidar.
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) takes centre stage, cricket fever has gripped the country. Fans from every corner are celebrating the return of the biggest cricketing spectacle, cheering for their respective city-based franchises. However, amid this nationwide euphoria, a lingering question haunts cricket enthusiasts in Madhya Pradesh – why does the state still not have its own IPL team?
From the bustling streets of Bhopal to the cricket-loving towns of Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur, fans are voicing their disappointment. Aniket, a die-hard cricket fan from the state, laments the absence of a Madhya Pradesh-based franchise. “Ours is one of the largest states in terms of both population and area. We have produced some incredible cricketers, yet we remain unrepresented in the IPL. A team would have provided a huge platform for our players," he said.
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Abhishek Mehra, another ardent supporter, echoes the sentiment. “We have cricket talents like Avesh Khan, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rajat Patidar. Yet, when IPL franchises are discussed, Madhya Pradesh isn’t even in the conversation. The MP Cricket Association (MPCA) must take serious steps in this direction," he urged.
The lack of an IPL team not only disappoints fans but also denies local players the recognition they deserve. Cricket enthusiast Shivank Sahu believes that state representation in the IPL can transform the sporting landscape. “When a team plays under your state’s name, it becomes a matter of pride. It also motivates young cricketers and strengthens the sports infrastructure," he explained.
Currently, several players from Madhya Pradesh are showcasing their talent in the IPL, but for other teams. Avesh Khan, Venkatesh Iyer, Kuldeep Sen, Rajat Patidar, and Shashank Singh are all making their mark, yet none under the banner of MP. This year, Rajat Patidar’s appointment as the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025 has brought immense joy to his home state, particularly after he led his team to victory in the opening match.
For many, the issue goes beyond cricket. “This is about the state’s identity," asserted Yash, a young fan from Bhopal, adding that MP had talent, stadiums, and passionate supporters yet it lacked a team.
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