As the Vidarbha Premier T20 League (VPTL) continues at the Vidarbha Cricket Association’s (VCA) international stadium in Jamtha, one noticeable absence is the crowd.
Despite showcasing promising local talent and having the backing of Vidarbha’s cricketing ecosystem, many matches are being played in front of nearly empty stands. This has raised concerns among fans and local observers about whether the league is truly engaging with its target audience.
Low turnout at the ongoing Vidarbha Premier T20 League (VPTL) has been widely attributed to one major factor: the location of the venue.
The VCA Stadium in Jamtha, despite being a world-class facility, lies 16 to 20 kilometers from Nagpur’s city center. For many spectators—especially students, families, and working professionals—this distance poses a real challenge.
Limited public transport, absence of late-night travel options, and weekday match timings have further added to the inconvenience.
According to a local fan, “The matches are good, and the players are talented. But with the stadium so far away, it becomes inconvenient to attend, especially on weekdays.”
A Familiar Fix Right Around the Corner
With falling attendance putting a damper on the league’s excitement, many believe there’s a straightforward fix: bring some matches back to the Old VCA Ground in Civil Lines.
This centrally located ground, once the lifeline of Nagpur’s cricket scene, may not match Jamtha’s scale—but it wins hands down in accessibility and emotional connect. Supporters say weekday crowds would likely swell here, bringing back the energy and intimacy the league sorely needs.
Is It Time for a Balanced Approach?
Several stakeholders and former players are now advocating for a hybrid hosting model:
- Reserve the Jamtha stadium for marquee clashes, semifinals, and the final
- Host regular or weekday matches at the Old VCA Ground to boost attendance and deepen community engagement
This strategy offers the best of both worlds—preserving the league’s grandeur for big games while tapping into the local passion that can turn VPTL into both a strong broadcast product and a genuine grassroots festival of cricket.
An Appeal to the VCA
The Vidarbha Premier T20 League is a promising platform—with the power to inspire young talent and foster a deep connection with the local community. But to truly succeed, the league needs to be more accessible to the very fans it aims to engage.
A local club coach put it plainly: “A packed smaller stadium creates more energy than an empty large one. If you want the league to live in the hearts of fans, it must be brought closer to them—literally.”
Whether the VCA acts on this feedback is yet to be seen. But the voices from the stands have made one thing clear: it’s time to bring the VPTL back into the heart of the city.
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