Bihar Government Backs Push for New IPL Franchise Amidst Cricket Infrastructure Overhaul
The Bihar state government is actively pursuing the establishment of an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, supported by extensive infrastructure developments and a growing roster of homegrown cricketing talent. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary confirmed the administration is operating in “mission mode” to elevate the state’s cricket ecosystem and secure representation in the world’s most lucrative T20 league.
Calls for a Bihar IPL Franchise
The push gained momentum after industrialist Anil Agarwal publicly questioned the absence of a Bihar-based franchise. Agarwal highlighted that Bihar, one of India’s most populous states, generates top-tier talent but lacks a home team to rival the Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, or Kolkata Knight Riders.
Responding to Agarwal on X, Choudhary stated the government shares the vision for cricket development. “The government is working in mission mode with a clear vision for Bihar’s cricket emotion. With your cooperation, a positive decision regarding Bihar’s cricket team will definitely be taken,” Choudhary noted.
Rising Stars from Bihar
Agarwal’s appeal centered on the recent success of Bihar-born cricketers who have made international and franchise headlines. Notable players include Ishan Kishan, who holds the record for the fastest One Day International double century, and 13-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who recently made history at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
| Player | Hometown | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan | Patna | Scored the fastest ODI double century (126 balls) against Bangladesh in 2022. |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Samastipur | Became the youngest player signed in IPL auction history at age 13 (Rajasthan Royals, 2025). |
| Sakib Hussain | Gopalganj | Fast bowler acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2024. |
Cricket Infrastructure Upgrades in Bihar
To support the bid for an IPL team and improve grassroots development, the Bihar government is funding major sports infrastructure projects. A state-of-the-art international cricket stadium is currently under construction in Rajgir. Once completed, the venue will feature a seating capacity of 40,000, meeting the requirements to host international fixtures and franchise T20 cricket.
Additionally, the government has announced renovation plans for the historic Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna. Upgrading these facilities is a mandatory step before the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) considers allocating a new franchise or hosting rights to the state. The BCCI last expanded the IPL in 2022, adding the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants to create a 10-team tournament.
With infrastructure overhauls underway and state backing secured, Bihar is positioning itself as a strong candidate for future IPL expansion phases.