Raja Kumari, Suhani Shah, Dhvani Bhanushali, And The Yellow Diary To Rock The World Pickleball League

The countdown has officially begun for the groundbreaking World Pickleball League (WPBL), as organizers announce an unprecedented entertainment roster that promises to transform the historic Brabourne Stadium into a hub of sporting and cultural excellence from January 24, 2025 to February 2, 2025.

In a landmark moment for Indian sports, the iconic Brabourne Stadium will host its first-ever non-cricket tournament, adding a significant milestone to its storied legacy and marking a watershed moment in the evolution of professional pickleball in India. The WPBL is set to revolutionize the sports entertainment landscape by offering an innovative fusion of world-class athletics and premium entertainment.

The league’s exclusive talent management agency, Entertainment Consultant has curated an exceptional entertainment roster that traverses across various genres and generations comprising pop singer Dhvani Bhanushali, mentalist Suhani Shah, indie collective Chaar Diwaari and Adi Dishaan, pop-rock band The Yellow Diary, global fusion classical band The Indian Jam Project, guitarist and singer-songwriter Taba Chake, new found internet sensation Akshath Acharya and hip-hop superstar Raja Kumari to elevate the overall on-ground fan experience.

Aahana Mehta, Business Head, Entertainment Consultant states, "The WPBL tournament blends competitive pickleball with live entertainment to create an engaging spectator experience. Top players will compete in high-stakes matches, while curated performances between games keep the energy high. By combining sports and entertainment, we aim to make pickleball accessible and exciting for both dedicated fans and newcomers to the sport. This format helps establish pickleball as a dynamic addition to India's sports scene, bringing together athletic competition and family-friendly entertainment under one roof."

“As curators, the goal is to create an atmosphere that celebrates both the competitive spirit and the vibrant culture surrounding pickleball. We’re blending high-energy performances and the thrill of live sport to make this inaugural WPBL season truly unforgettable.” - Ashish Jose, Culture Strategist

Six premier franchises will compete in a meticulously structured format for the championship viz. Mumbai Pickle Power, Pune United, Bengaluru Jawans (led by filmmaker Atlee), Chennai Super Champs (owned by Samantha Prabhu), Hyderabad Superstars and Dilli Dillwale.  Renowned host Himanshu Chatwani will anchor the entire tournament, ensuring seamless entertainment throughout the league's duration.  The semi-finals will feature a special exhibition match with legendary boxer Amir Khan, adding international sporting star power to the event. WPBL has exclusively empanelled Swiggy Scenes as the ticketing partner.

The World Pickleball League (WPBL), founded by former Indian tennis champions Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar through Natekar Sports and Gaming, is set to revolutionize pickleball in India. WPBL aims to elevate the sport through high-level competitions while fostering a thriving pickleball community. In partnership with Sony Corporation and working closely with the All-India Pickleball Association (affiliated with the International Pickleball Federation), the league is committed to growing the sport at all levels. Alongside the main league, WPBL will sponsor grassroots tournaments in each franchise city to develop local talent and build a strong foundation for the sport in India. By combining competitive play, community initiatives, and strategic partnerships, WPBL is dedicated to setting new benchmarks in Indian sports.

Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO, World Pickleball League, “As we unveil the World Pickleball League, we are introducing India to a new era of sports entertainment—one that blends fast-paced action with unparalleled fan engagement. Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a movement that’s uniting people across ages and backgrounds. Through this league, we aim to make pickleball not only India’s hottest new sporting spectacle but also a platform that inspires, excites, and brings communities together.”