Why a 101-City Talent Hunt is Shocking Cricket Fans: Pravin Amre Reveals Fitness Secrets!

The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) is redefining the landscape of cricket talent scouting in India as it gears up for its third season. With a record-breaking outreach, the league has conducted trials across 101 cities, almost doubling its previous season's footprint. The T10 tournament, which is set to take place in Surat from January 9 to February 6, 2026, has received an overwhelming response, with over 4.4 million registrations this year alone.

Pravin Amre, the Head of the Selection Committee for ISPL, expressed his astonishment at the sheer number of applicants. “We were amazed with the response basically of 44 lakhs applicants. Of that around 60 to 70% was there on the first day. So, more important for us is the interest and I think that drives us,” he stated during an interview with Times of India. This significant interest highlights a growing passion for cricket, especially among young talent across the nation.

Instead of requiring aspiring players to travel to major cities for trials, ISPL's strategy this year was to bring the trials to them. This decision aimed to enhance accessibility for talented individuals from smaller towns and cities, thereby democratizing the selection process. Amre noted the challenges faced by players in reaching bigger cities: “Sometimes it was really challenging for the talented boys to reach there. So this year… we decided to make sure a selector can go there and reach there.” Credit was given to the 32 selectors who traveled extensively across the country to facilitate these trials.

The trials covered a range of locations, from major metros like Mumbai and Delhi to smaller towns like Rameswaram, Latur, and Satna. Amre personally oversaw the trials in the West and North zones, where match simulations were also conducted. “Around 250 boys are here right now… around 850 boys are shortlisted. From there we have to get it to the 350,” he elaborated, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the selection process. Each player underwent rigorous assessments, with video recordings of their performances for evaluation by franchise owners, coaches, and selectors ahead of the auction on December 9.

A significant shift noted by Amre in the current trials is the increased emphasis players place on fitness. "People are giving importance to fitness… we have also introduced a couple of fitness tests (SET Score)," he explained. This focus is crucial, especially as ISPL has expanded squad sizes to 18 players, including two mandatory U-19 players. The high-energy T10 format demands not just skill but also superior physical conditioning.

Moreover, agility and speed are pivotal in the selection criteria, as every run counts in this fast-paced format. “When you run also, it's a sprint… that agility also is very critical. Because in this, if you miss a run... like in the IPL, one run matters,” Amre remarked. However, he also highlighted that while fitness is essential, mental resilience remains a key differentiator between good players and exceptional ones. “For any cricket… the skills are very critical. But more importantly, it is all about mental aspect also. Because it is all about how you perform under pressure,” he stated.

In an effort to simulate high-pressure situations, players were subjected to 12-ball challenges during the trials. “You may be a good player, but if the execution is not there, it is not going to be useful for the team,” Amre pointed out. Drawing from his extensive scouting experience, which includes recognizing talents like Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, he emphasized the importance of potential over age. “Bottom line is same… I am justifying a talent, an untapped talent… we back our gut feeling,” he explained.

A notable aspect of this year’s trials is the remarkable diversity among participants, ranging from an 11-year-old prodigy to a player in his 40s who impressed selectors. “40 and 11, the age is a number… we wanted to make sure like that skill has given a justice rather than the age,” Amre affirmed. This inclusive approach not only broadens the talent pool but also reflects the evolving landscape of cricket in India.

As the ISPL prepares for its third season, the league not only aims to discover new talent but also to foster a culture of preparedness and ambition among aspiring cricketers. With the upcoming auction and a spotlight on fitness, skill, and mental fortitude, the ISPL is set to make a significant impact on the future of cricket in the nation.