The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) is a cornerstone of Indian domestic cricket, showcasing the vibrant talent pool of Tamil Nadu through eight fiercely competitive teams. This annual T20 league, organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) since 2016, has become a breeding ground for cricketing stars, blending young prospects with seasoned players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Sai Sudharsan.
In this comprehensive guide, readers will discover the histories, key players, and achievements of all TNPL teams, alongside the 2025 schedule, ticketing details, and tips for an unforgettable match-day experience at iconic venues like MA Chidambaram Stadium.
This article provides a deep dive into the Tamil Nadu Premier League teams, offering insights into their significance, standout performers, and fan engagement initiatives. Learn about the tournament format venue details, and how to secure tickets or stream matches live.
Key Highlights:
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Overview of Tamil Nadu Premier League teams and their regional significance.
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Detailed profiles of all eight teams, including histories, players, and titles.
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Key players to watch in TNPL 2025, from veterans to emerging stars.
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Complete 2025 schedule, tournament format, and venue information.
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Practical tips for attending matches, including ticketing, transport, and nearby attractions.
Tamil Nadu Premier League Teams 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
The Tamil Nadu Premier League, launched in 2016 by the TNCA, has transformed domestic cricket by spotlighting Tamil Nadu’s rich talent pool. Known for its high-energy T20 matches, the league features eight city-based teams, each representing a unique region and fostering deep connections with local fans. The TNPL has produced IPL stars like Sai Sudharsan and serves as a stepping stone for aspiring cricketers.
Whether you’re a local fan or a cricket enthusiast planning a visit, we’ve included practical tips on nearby hotels, transport, and attractions to enhance your TNPL 2025 experience.
From thrilling matches to local culture, TNPL 2025 promises a month-long cricket festival that captures the heart of Tamil Nadu. Read on to explore team profiles, key players to watch, and insider tips for enjoying matches at top venues. Don’t miss out on the action dive into the full article for everything you need to know!
Introduction to Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL)
This guide covers everything from team histories to match-day tips, ensuring you’re ready for the TNPL 2025 experience. Whether you’re cheering at MA Chidambaram Stadium or exploring nearby Chennai attractions, we’ve got you covered.
Beyond the cricket, TNPL is a cultural celebration, uniting fans across Tamil Nadu’s iconic venues. The 2025 season, running from June 5 to July 6, promises intense competition and unforgettable moments. From live telecasts on Star Sports to streaming on FanCode, fans worldwide can stay connected.
Tamil Nadu Premier League Teams: Profiles and Histories
Each TNPL team carries a unique legacy, representing distinct regions of Tamil Nadu. Below is a detailed look at the eight teams, their histories, notable players, and achievements.
|
Team Name |
Year Established |
Notable Players |
Titles Won |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chepauk Super Gillies |
2016 |
Narayan Jagadeesan, Baba Aparajith |
4 |
|
Dindigul Dragons |
2016 |
Ravichandran Ashwin, Baba Indrajith |
0 |
|
Lyca Kovai Kings |
2016 |
Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan |
2 |
|
Nellai Royal Kings |
2016 |
Baba Aparajith, Sonu Yadav |
0 |
|
Salem Spartans |
2016 |
Vijay Shankar, Sunny Sandhu |
1 |
|
Siechem Madurai Panthers |
2016 |
Arun Karthik, Gurjapneet Singh |
1 |
|
IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans |
2016 |
Tushar Raheja, Sai Kishore |
1 |
|
Trichy Grand Cholas |
2016 |
R Sai Kishore, Pradosh Ranjan Paul |
0 |
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Chepauk Super Gillies: The most successful team with four titles, known for their consistent performances and strong batting lineup led by Narayan Jagadeesan.
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Dindigul Dragons: Led by Ravichandran Ashwin, they reached the 2025 final but fell short against IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans.
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Lyca Kovai Kings: Two-time champions (2023, 2024), they boast a balanced squad with Sai Sudharsan’s elegance and Shahrukh Khan’s power-hitting.
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Nellai Royal Kings: Known for their competitive spirit, with Baba Aparajith’s all-round brilliance as a key asset.
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Salem Spartans: Formerly Tuti Patriots, they won the inaugural 2016 season and remain a fan favorite in Salem.
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Siechem Madurai Panthers: Champions in 2018, they rely on Arun Karthik’s experience for clutch performances.
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IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans: The 2025 champions, powered by Tushar Raheja and Sai Kishore, clinched their maiden title with a 118-run victory.
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Trichy Grand Cholas: A rising team with young talents like Pradosh Ranjan Paul, they secured a playoff spot in 2025.
These teams create a vibrant cricketing culture, with each season adding to their legacies.
Key Players to Watch in TNPL 2025
The TNPL 2025 season showcased a mix of veteran stars and emerging talents who lit up the league. Here are the standout performers:
Top Players in Focus
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Narayan Jagadeesan (Chepauk Super Gillies): A prolific run-scorer, Jagadeesan’s ability to anchor and accelerate innings is crucial. His 2025 season included several match-defining knocks.
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Sai Sudharsan (Lyca Kovai Kings): Known for his elegant strokeplay, Sudharsan’s adaptability against spin and pace makes him a game-changer.
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Ravichandran Ashwin (Dindigul Dragons): A tactical genius, Ashwin’s 13 wickets and leadership guided the Dragons to the 2025 final.
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Baba Aparajith (Nellai Royal Kings): With 412 runs in 2025, Aparajith’s all-round contributions are vital.
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Tushar Raheja (IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans): The top run-scorer with 488 runs, Raheja’s explosive batting led his team to the 2025 title.
Emerging Talents
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Amit Sathvik (IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans): Scored 340 runs, forming a lethal opening pair with Raheja.
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Sonu Yadav (Nellai Royal Kings): Took 16 wickets, showcasing his pace and accuracy.
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R Sai Kishore (Trichy Grand Cholas): A crafty spinner, Kishore’s variations troubled batsmen throughout the season.
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Rajvardhan Hangargekar (Chepauk Super Gillies): A young pacer with raw speed, expected to shine in future seasons.
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Aushik Srinivas (Salem Spartans): An improving all-rounder with potential to influence matches.
These players drive their teams’ success and shape TNPL’s reputation as a talent hub.
TNPL 2025 Schedule and Format
The TNPL 2025 season, held from June 5 to July 6, featured 32 matches across four iconic venues in Tamil Nadu. The tournament’s structure ensures fierce competition and fan excitement.
Schedule Overview
|
Event |
Date |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Tournament Start |
June 5, 2025 |
Opening match: Dindigul Dragons vs Lyca Kovai Kings. |
|
League Stage |
June 6 – June 29, 2025 |
28 round-robin matches; each team plays 7 games. |
|
Playoffs |
July 1 – July 4, 2025 |
Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2. |
|
Grand Final |
July 6, 2025 |
Dindigul Dragons vs IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans at NPR College Ground, Dindigul. |
Check the official TNPL website (tnpl.cricket) for detailed match timings.
Tournament Format
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League Stage:
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28 matches; each team plays every other team once.
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Points: Win (2), No result (1), Loss (0).
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Top 4 teams advance based on points and net run rate (NRR).
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Playoff Stage:
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Qualifier 1: Top 2 teams compete; winner advances to the final.
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Eliminator: 3rd vs 4th; winner faces Qualifier 1 loser in Qualifier 2.
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Grand Final: Qualifier 1 winner vs Qualifier 2 winner.
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Venues:
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MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (50,000 capacity).
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NPR College Ground, Dindigul (10,000 capacity).
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India Cements Ground, Tirunelveli (12,000 capacity).
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SCF Cricket Ground, Salem (15,000 capacity).
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The format ensures high-stakes matches, with double-headers on weekends for fan convenience.
Venue Spotlight: MA Chidambaram Stadium
The MA Chidambaram Stadium, fondly called “Chepauk,” is Tamil Nadu’s premier cricket venue and a key TNPL host. Located in Chennai, this iconic stadium has a rich history and electric atmosphere.
Stadium History
Established in 1916, Chepauk is one of India’s oldest cricket grounds, hosting international matches, IPL games, and TNPL clashes. It’s renowned for its batting-friendly pitches, though spinners often dominate in T20s. Memorable TNPL moments include Chepauk Super Gillies’ title wins and Ravichandran Ashwin’s match-winning performances.
Stadium Facilities
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Seating: 50,000 capacity with premium stands, VIP boxes, and general seating.
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Amenities: Food courts, restrooms, and merchandise stalls.
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Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps and dedicated seating for differently-abled fans.
Ticketing and Streaming
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Tickets: Available on Paytm Insider and BookMyShow, starting at ₹200 for general stands and ₹1,500 for premium seats. Early booking is recommended for high-demand matches.
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Streaming: Watch live on FanCode or Star Sports 1, Star Sports Tamil, and Star Sports 2.
Stadium Access and Entry Tips
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Parking: Limited parking available at ₹100–₹200; arrive early to secure a spot.
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Best Entry Gates: Use Gate 7 or 8 for faster access to general stands.
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Arrival Time: Arrive 1–2 hours before the match to avoid crowds and enjoy pre-match festivities.
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Local Hack: Visit nearby Marina Beach stalls for budget-friendly snacks like bajji and sundal before entering.
Nearby Facilities and Attractions
Attending a TNPL match at MA Chidambaram Stadium is a perfect opportunity to explore Chennai’s vibrant offerings. Here’s a guide to nearby facilities and attractions.
Nearby Hotels
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Taj Connemara (5-star, 0.8 km): Offers luxury rooms, a pool, and fine dining; ₹8,000–₹12,000 per night. A 5-minute drive from Chepauk.
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The Residency Towers (4-star, 2.5 km): Features modern amenities and free breakfast; ₹5,000–₹7,000 per night. 10-minute drive.
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Hotel Marina Inn (3-star, 0.5 km): Budget-friendly with Wi-Fi and parking; ₹2,500–₹4,000 per night. Walkable in 10 minutes.
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Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai (5-star, 3 km): Known for its spa and multi-cuisine restaurants; ₹7,000–₹10,000 per night. 12-minute drive.
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Savera Hotel (4-star, 2 km): Offers cozy rooms and a rooftop restaurant; ₹4,500–₹6,500 per night. 8-minute drive.
Nearby Malls
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Express Avenue (2.5 km): A premier shopping destination with brands like Zara, H&M, and a food court featuring local and global cuisines. 10-minute drive.
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Phoenix MarketCity (10 km): Features a multiplex, gaming zone, and restaurants like Barbeque Nation. 20-minute drive via Mount Road.
Nearest Transport
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Railway Station: Chennai Egmore (3 km), a 12-minute taxi ride or 20-minute walk. Offers connections to major Indian cities.
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Metro Stop: Government Estate Metro (1.5 km), accessible via Blue Line. A 5-minute auto-rickshaw ride or 15-minute walk to the stadium.
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Bus Stop: Chepauk Bus Stop (0.3 km), served by MTC buses. A 5-minute walk to the stadium.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
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Marina Beach (1 km): India’s longest urban beach, perfect for a post-match stroll or street food like crispy vada. 5-minute walk.
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Fort St. George (3.5 km): A historic British fort with a museum showcasing Chennai’s colonial past. 15-minute drive.
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Kapaleeshwarar Temple (4 km): A 7th-century Dravidian temple with vibrant architecture. 15-minute drive.
These options make your TNPL match-day experience seamless and enjoyable, blending cricket with Chennai’s cultural charm.
Past Winners and Key Statistics
The TNPL has seen intense battles since 2016, with Chepauk Super Gillies leading the pack. Below are the champions and notable stats:
|
Season |
Winner |
Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 |
Tuti Patriots (Salem Spartans) |
Chepauk Super Gillies |
| 2017 |
Chepauk Super Gillies |
Tuti Patriots |
| 2018 |
Siechem Madurai Panthers |
Dindigul Dragons |
| 2019 |
Chepauk Super Gillies |
Dindigul Dragons |
| 2021 |
Chepauk Super Gillies |
Trichy Grand Cholas |
| 2022 |
Chepauk Super Gillies |
Nellai Royal Kings |
| 2023 |
Lyca Kovai Kings |
Nellai Royal Kings |
| 2024 |
Dindigul Dragons |
Lyca Kovai Kings |
| 2025 |
IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans |
Dindigul Dragons |
Key Stats:
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Most Titles: Chepauk Super Gillies (4).
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Top Run-Scorer (2025): Tushar Raheja (488 runs, IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans).
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Top Wicket-Taker (2025): Sonu Yadav (16 wickets, Nellai Royal Kings).
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Biggest Win: IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans’ 118-run victory in the 2025 final.
Fan Engagement and Merchandise
TNPL teams thrive on passionate fan support, creating a lively atmosphere both online and at venues. Here’s how fans can connect:
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Social Media: Follow teams on X (@TNPremierLeague) for live updates, contests, and player interactions.
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Merchandise: Buy jerseys, caps, and posters on tnpl.cricket or at stadium stalls.
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Fan Clubs: Join team-specific fan clubs for exclusive events and meet-and-greets.
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Contests: Participate in match-day giveaways for signed memorabilia or VIP tickets.
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Ticketing Deals: Early bird offers on Paytm Insider save up to 20% on tickets.
These initiatives strengthen the bond between teams and their supporters.
FAQs
1. Where can I buy TNPL 2025 tickets?
Tickets are available on Paytm Insider, BookMyShow, or at stadium counters. Prices range from ₹200 for general stands to ₹1,500 for premium seats. Book early for high-profile matches like the final.
2. Is parking available at MA Chidambaram Stadium?
Yes, limited parking is available at ₹100–₹200. Arrive 1–2 hours early to secure a spot, or use nearby public transport to avoid congestion.
3. What are the best seating zones at Chepauk?
Premium stands (C, D, E) offer the best views near the pitch, while general stands (G, H) are budget-friendly with great crowd energy. Book early for semi-finals and finals.
4. Are there good restaurants near the stadium?
Try Murugan Idli Shop (1 km) for authentic South Indian meals or Amma Mess (2.5 km) for flavorful Chettinad cuisine. Both are within a 10-minute drive or 15-minute walk.
5. How do I reach MA Chidambaram Stadium by public transport?
Take the Blue Line to Government Estate Metro (1.5 km) or board an MTC bus to Chepauk Bus Stop (0.3 km). Auto-rickshaws are widely available for short trips.
Conclusion
The Tamil Nadu Premier League teams bring unmatched excitement to India’s domestic cricket scene, with TNPL 2025 showcasing stellar performances from IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, Chepauk Super Gillies, and more. From the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium to vibrant fan engagement, TNPL offers a perfect blend of sport and culture. Plan your visit, grab tickets, and explore Chennai’s attractions for an unforgettable experience!