The excitement is building as the World Pickleball League prepares to launch in India, marking a new chapter for this emerging sport. Scheduled to debut with six city-based franchises, the league aims to bring high-caliber action to Indian fans and provide a platform for local players to showcase their talent. This new league, expected to launch by late 2024, will bring together top Indian athletes and international stars, sparking a major step forward for the sport in India.
The prestigious World Pickleball Championship Series has already set the stage, kicking off in Mumbai on November 12 and continuing until November 17. Hosted by the Cricket Club of India, this event has transformed the club into a hub of pickleball enthusiasm, attracting over 600 players, including 55 international stars from countries like Australia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Pickleball—a unique blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—has rapidly become popular due to its accessibility, simple rules, and appeal across ages.
Globally, the sport has seen an explosion in popularity, with high-profile advocates like Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, and Andre Agassi, along with Bollywood celebrities and sports icons from across the world. In India, business leaders like Anand Piramal have taken an interest, further fueling the sport’s rise. Spearheaded by former tennis star and Arjuna Award recipient Gaurav Natekar, the upcoming World Pickleball League (WPL) is capitalizing on this momentum to make a lasting impact.
With the support of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which currently boasts around 8,000 registered players and tens of thousands of recreational players, the WPL hopes to draw an estimated one million players in the next five years. According to Natekar, this level of interest requires a strong foundation, including quality infrastructure, training, and promotional efforts to sustain growth. The WPL aims to foster this growth responsibly, ensuring the sport does not falter due to management issues that have plagued other sports in India.
In addition to expanding competitive opportunities, the WPL places strong emphasis on grassroots development. Natekar and his team are rolling out plans to support community events, tournaments, and training programs designed to introduce more players to the sport and cultivate lasting interest. They are committed to building a steady pipeline of talent and a dedicated fan base that will drive pickleball’s long-term growth in India.
Looking ahead, Natekar has ambitious goals for the league and the sport, hoping one day to see pickleball reach Olympic recognition. The sport’s rising international popularity has already sparked discussions within the pickleball community, with many advocating for its inclusion in the Olympic Games. With India potentially hosting the 2036 Olympics, Natekar envisions a future where pickleball could make its Olympic debut on Indian soil.
For now, the WPL’s focus is to make professional pickleball both accessible and engaging, with an IPL-style format that promises thrilling matches for fans across the country. As more people begin playing and following the sport, Natekar believes a dedicated fan base will naturally develop, turning pickleball from a recreational pastime into a serious competitive sport. With plans to launch soon, the World Pickleball League is set to be a game-changer, adding yet another dynamic sport to India’s growing sports culture.