GMR Sports Confident in Running Rugby League, Cites IPL Experience: CEO Trivedi

GMR Sports, best known for its role in Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket, is now setting its sights on transforming India’s rugby scene with the launch of the Rugby Premier League (RPL). According to Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports and promoter of the event, the company’s experience in running successful IPL franchises gives it the confidence to establish a vibrant professional rugby ecosystem in India.

Trivedi, who has overseen operations of the GMR co-owned IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, believes that the RPL can carve out its space in India’s sports landscape, even though rugby currently ranks low in popularity. “Since we run an IPL team, we are capable of running a Rugby League too,” he said, underlining the group’s confidence and strategic planning.

The inaugural edition of the RPL will take place from June 15 to 29 at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri. The tournament will feature six teams — Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, Chennai Bulls, Mumbai Dreamers, and Bengaluru Bravehearts.

Trivedi emphasized that rugby has tremendous untapped potential to attract Indian audiences, particularly with a format that blends high energy, physicality, and team spirit — all key ingredients for fan engagement. He added that GMR aims to replicate the success of the IPL model by focusing on player development, entertainment, and strong franchise branding.

As the RPL prepares to kick off its debut season, sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike are watching closely to see if rugby can score big in a cricket-dominated nation.

GMR Sports Confident in Running Rugby League, Cites IPL Experience: CEO Trivedi

GMR Sports, best known for its role in Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket, is now setting its sights on transforming India’s rugby scene with the launch of the Rugby Premier League (RPL). According to Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports and promoter of the event, the company’s experience in running successful IPL franchises gives it the confidence to establish a vibrant professional rugby ecosystem in India.

Trivedi, who has overseen operations of the GMR co-owned IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, believes that the RPL can carve out its space in India’s sports landscape, even though rugby currently ranks low in popularity. “Since we run an IPL team, we are capable of running a Rugby League too,” he said, underlining the group’s confidence and strategic planning.

The inaugural edition of the RPL will take place from June 15 to 29 at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri. The tournament will feature six teams — Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, Chennai Bulls, Mumbai Dreamers, and Bengaluru Bravehearts.

Trivedi emphasized that rugby has tremendous untapped potential to attract Indian audiences, particularly with a format that blends high energy, physicality, and team spirit — all key ingredients for fan engagement. He added that GMR aims to replicate the success of the IPL model by focusing on player development, entertainment, and strong franchise branding.

As the RPL prepares to kick off its debut season, sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike are watching closely to see if rugby can score big in a cricket-dominated nation.