India’s first global franchise-based Pickleball league featuring six city based teams from across the country will be held at Mumbai's iconic Brabourne Stadium Cricket Club of India (CCI) stadium from 24th January, 2025.  The league christened ‘World Pickleball League’ (WPBL), that is co-founded by former Indian Tennis players Gaurav Natekar and his better half Arati Ponnappa will be held in a single round robin league cum knock out format among the six dynamic teams with ownership spanning respected corporate leaders and favourite celebrities.

The League that works closely with the All-India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and is affiliated with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) in the USA will be powered by PNG Jewellers.

The WPBL promises a unique blend of sports and entertainment, redefining fan engagement, and will make its debut with Maharashtra Derby between Mumbai Pickle Power and Pune United followed immediately by Southern Derby involving Bengaluru Jawans and Chennai Super Champs on the opening day. The knockout stage among the top four will get underway on 1st February, before culminating in the grand finale to be played the next day.

 Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder of WPBL  expressed his pride in the venue, stated, “To witness the season 1 of the World Pickleball League unfold at a location where my father became the first non-cricketer inducted into the Legends Club is truly an honor. The CCI represents credibility and iconism, standing as the crown jewel of Mumbai’s sporting landmarks. Hosting the league on Brabourne Stadium adds stature to the tourney. With its central location, deep emotional connection with fans, and the plans we have for the league, we are confident in delivering an unforgettable in-stadium experience, paired with unparalleled sportainment for our audience”.

Madhumati Lele Shrivastava, President of CCI while extending her support, said, “We are delighted to welcome the World Pickleball League as it hosts its inaugural season at CCI. We thank Gaurav and Arati for choosing CCI as their venue and assure them of our full support. The WPBL masterfully combines sports and entertainment, creating a league that will be loved by audiences across boundaries and age groups. The recent success of the WPC, where WPBL was a Powered by Partner, demonstrated the growing excitement around Pickleball, and we are confident the league will be a grand success.”

As may be recalled beyond cricket, the Cricket Club of India, that was established in 1933, stands as an enduring symbol of India's rich sporting heritage. Known for hosting historic cricket matches and nurturing legends, its Brabourne Stadium is celebrated as one of the most picturesque venues in the country, blending timeless elegance with sporting excellence. Over the decades the CCI has evolved into a vibrant cultural and sporting hub, offering world-class facilities and fostering a strong sense of community among its members and sports enthusiasts alike and has also played host to many other sports including Tennis, Squash, Billiards among others.

WPBL Schedule: