Hyderabad: EBG group launches Tollywood Pro League cricket tourney; six teams to participate

Hyderabad: EBG group launched the Tollywood Pro League cricket tournament at Hyderabad International Convention Centre on Sunday. The move is aimed at uniting the Telugu film fraternity through professional support.

The league was formally unveiled by veteran film producer Dil Raju, who has been named the Honorary Chairman of TPL. The inauguration was marked by the presence of legendary Indian cricketers Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, and Suresh Raina, who lent their support as chief guests.

A League of Stars and Producers

The TPL is structured as a professional, franchise-based competition featuring six teams. Key highlights of the league’s format include:

Biannual Seasons: The tournament will be held twice a year to maintain engagement.

Celebrity Players: Teams will feature actors and celebrities from the Telugu film industry.

Producer Owners: Leading film producers will take the mantle as franchise owners, ensuring a professional governance model.

Entertainment Hub: Beyond cricket, the league will feature fan zones, live music, and high-quality digital content.

The "Alai Balai" Movement

A standout feature of the TPL is its social and cultural pillar, known as Alai Balai. Inspired by the traditional Telangana cultural event that fosters unity, this initiative ensures representation for every craft within the film industry—from technicians to daily wage workers.

Dr Irfan Khan, Founder and Chairman of EBG Group, emphasized the league's broader vision: "Tollywood Pro League is not just a cricket tournament; it is a cultural movement built on dignity, structure, and long-term vision. We want to celebrate the fraternity and strengthen unity through this platform."

Purpose Beyond the Pitch

Reinforcing its commitment to the film community, TPL organizers announced that a portion of the league’s proceeds will be directed toward welfare initiatives for members of the Telugu film fraternity.

Dil Raju echoed this sentiment, stating, "TPL is a meaningful initiative that brings our industry together on a common platform. It celebrates every contributor to cinema and creates a sense of pride and unity."

The launch ceremony also saw participation from notable actors Dino Morea, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Murali Sharma, signaling strong support from the wider film community. With its blend of high-energy sport and cinema, TPL aims to become a marquee property in India’s sports-entertainment ecosystem.