Living in 2026, getting ready for the 18th season of the IPL, and yet, the remotest parts of our country have no representation in a tournament that garners media highlights from all parts of the world

Since 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has proved to be not only a cricket tournament but also an event that has brought development and economic boost in various forms. Cities or states represented in the IPL witness a rise in tourism, as fans from not only India but also other nations visit the area for matches and, in turn, indulge in local tourism and cuisine, boosting local businesses. Not to forget, sales of merchandise, temporary employment opportunities, and so much more open up for the home city or state during the IPL.

Unfortunately, despite living in 2026 and 18 years into the tournament, what IPL has failed to do is reach the remotest parts of the country and give people the opportunity to represent themselves. These parts have remained detached from mainland India, and therefore, we firmly believe it's high time that businessmen with the money to invest in sports teams consider representing these cities or states.

Central India

Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, and other New Zealand players practicing at Holkar Stadium ahead of the IND vs NZ 3rd ODI. pic.twitter.com/LmE6p0dbub

— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) January 16, 2026

IPL has teams in the north, west, south, and east, but the central region of India has never been represented. The states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh deserve a place in the IPL because there is no dearth of cricket fans, as we have observed on multiple occasions, from the craze at the Holkar Stadium in Indore to the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Raipur.

A party was had at Raipur !
A thrilling evening and some super food and drink including Mahua and red ants .. yum !!
Also, I know think that @SunilGroverFC_ is EVEN a lot funnier than he is on TV and @RandeepHooda is an incredibly handsome and intense personality… pic.twitter.com/ETny3ttE8k

— Rocky Singh 🇮🇳 (@RockyEatsX) January 13, 2026

The presence of unique cuisine, so much to see in terms of tourism, and the unique history will enable people to see Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh through a new lens.

Extreme North

World's most beautiful Football stadium is opened in scenic Ladakh, India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Sz2uOw3Rf0

— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) April 9, 2023

With the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, the north has representation in the IPL, but what about the extreme north? Given that the new Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have remained conflict zones since 1947, the presence of global stars could open new opportunities for development and peace in these areas. IPL in these regions will also give local players an opportunity to showcase their talents to mainland India. For example, there’s already hype around Auqib Nabi Dar from Baramulla, and over the years, Umran Malik has made a name for himself.

Extreme Northeast

THREAD

The cricketer from Nagaland who John Buchanan called a 'Champion'

Hokaito Zhimomi is not a name many would associate with the IPL. He never even played an IPL game. But it's fair to say that he made enough of an impression on a certain John Buchanan that he reserved a pic.twitter.com/TJOn9Xv5bE

— TheRandomCricketPhotosGuy (@RandomCricketP1) April 22, 2025

Finally, the Northeast has had no representation in the IPL apart from the Rajasthan Royals playing matches at the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Assam. However, that doesn’t make them a team in the Northeast. Therefore, it is essential that the Northeast, possibly Arunachal Pradesh or Nagaland, gets an IPL team of its own.

10 days,17 Tribes,One Festival.

The Hornbill Festival is where culture, heritage, food, and tradition come alive in the heart of Nagaland. From mesmerizing tribal dances to lip-smacking delicacies, it's a celebration like no other!

2024 hornbill festival ends here. Thank you… pic.twitter.com/nbw2ZkCRdU

— Neha Gurung (@nehaGurung1692) December 11, 2024

Apart from cricket and employment opportunities, a boost in tourism and local businesses, and the presence of an IPL team from Arunachal or Nagaland will bridge the gap between people. As we are all aware, for decades, the majority of mainland India has discriminated against people from the northeast in various ways, but through cricket and the IPL, a new relationship can be built between mainland India and the northeast.