Key Points:
- Sara Tendulkar’s Entry: Daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Sara Tendulkar, becomes the owner of the Mumbai franchise in the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL) Season 2.
- GEPL’s Rapid Growth: The league has seen a fivefold surge in player registrations, reaching 910,000 in Season 2, with over 70 million multiplatform impressions and 2.4 million minutes of streamed content.
- Esports Meets Cricket: Sara’s involvement highlights the growing integration of cricket and esports, aligning with GEPL’s mission to redefine digital sports entertainment.
New Delhi: Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, has taken a significant step into the world of esports by acquiring the Mumbai franchise in the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL) for its second season. Operated by JetSynthesys, GEPL is recognized as the world’s largest e-cricket and entertainment league, played on the popular Real Cricket game, which has surpassed 300 million downloads globally.
Expressing her excitement, Sara said, “Cricket has always been an integral part of our family. Exploring its potential in esports is thrilling. Owning the Mumbai franchise in GEPL is a dream come true, merging my passion for the game with my love for the city. I look forward to building an inspiring and entertaining esports franchise.”
GEPL: A Game-Changer in Esports
Since its inaugural season in 2024, GEPL has witnessed explosive growth:
- Player registrations surged from 200,000 in Season 1 to 910,000 in Season 2.
- The league achieved over 70 million multiplatform impressions and more than 2.4 million minutes of streamed content across JioCinema and Sports18.
- With a prize pool of ₹3.05 crore, GEPL has solidified its position as a leader in cricket esports.
The second season promises to be even more competitive with revamped team formats, advanced gameplay mechanics powered by Real Cricket 24, and elite players competing for the coveted ‘e-Cricket Icon’ title at a grand finale scheduled for May 2025.
Sara Tendulkar’s Vision
Sara’s ownership of the Mumbai franchise reflects her deep connection to cricket and her city. Her involvement aligns with GEPL’s mission to integrate regional representation with innovation in esports. Rajan Navani, CEO & Founder of JetSynthesys, welcomed Sara into the league, stating:
“Sara embodies the Gen Z creator and influencer ecosystem in India. Her passion for sports and esports makes her an ideal partner to expand GEPL’s reach and inspire aspiring players.”
Cricket Meets Esports
The league bridges traditional cricket fandom with cutting-edge digital entertainment:
- Bollywood-style storytelling meets strategic gameplay on Real Cricket.
- Teams represent regional pride while engaging millions of fans online.
GEPL’s success also reflects India’s growing interest in esports as a mainstream entertainment avenue. Sara’s entry into this space brings new energy to the league and strengthens its appeal among younger audiences.
Tendulkar Family Legacy
The Tendulkar family continues to leave its mark on cricket:
- Sachin Tendulkar remains an icon for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL.
- Sara’s brother Arjun Tendulkar plays for MI and represents Goa in domestic cricket.
With Sara stepping into esports ownership, the family legacy expands into new territories while staying rooted in their love for cricket.
What Lies Ahead?
GEPL Season 2 aims to push boundaries by blending sports, technology, and entertainment. As Sara collaborates with her team to build a competitive franchise, her involvement is expected to elevate fan engagement and inspire future generations of players.
The grand finale in May 2025 will showcase how far GEPL has come in redefining cricket through esports. With Sara Tendulkar at the helm of Mumbai’s franchise, this season promises to be a landmark moment for both Indian esports and digital cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
