From surviving on Maggi noodles to becoming one of India’s premier white-ball all-rounders, Hardik Pandya has undeniably come a long way. Similarly, Jasprit Bumrah’s mother, Daljit Bumrah, struggled to buy him his first proper pair of cricket shoes during their early financial hardships.
There are countless such stories of star cricketers overcoming adversity to achieve their dream of representing the nation. But behind every success story lies an uncomfortable truth — even the most talented players had to navigate financial barriers, systemic challenges, and a lack of structured opportunities before reaching the top.
As Nita Ambani once recalled while discussing talent scouting in the IPL ecosystem:
“One day, our scouts brought two young boys to the camp who told us that for three years, they had eaten nothing but Maggi noodles because they had no money.”
Perhaps the most iconic rags-to-riches story is that of MS Dhoni — the only captain in cricket history to win all three major ICC trophies: the T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), and Champions Trophy (2013). Hailing from Ranchi, where his father worked as a pump operator, Dhoni’s journey is a testament to perseverance in the face of financial constraints.
When Passion Meets Financial Reality
For millions of young Indians, cricket exposure platforms in India begin in the streets — with plastic bats, tennis balls, and dreams of wearing the national jersey. School grounds and village fields nurture aspirations that slowly evolve into serious pursuits.
However, the journey from playground cricket to professional pathways comes with a growing financial burden.
A quality cricket kit can cost anywhere between ₹10,000 to ₹30,000. Add to this the recurring expenses of: Coaching academy fees
Fitness training
Nutrition plans
Tournament registrations
Travel and accommodation for trials
The cumulative cost becomes overwhelming — especially for middle- and lower-income families.
As former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly aptly said:
“Talent is important, but the right exposure at the right time makes all the difference.”
The Hidden Cost of Visibility
Climbing the cricketing ladder requires constant participation in competitive matches — from district to state and eventually zonal or national tournaments. Each step demands further investment in travel, accommodation, and entry fees.
For many families, especially those from smaller towns, these costs become insurmountable. As a result, several talented young players quietly drop out — not because of a lack of ability, but because of financial constraints.
The Psychological Toll
The cost of pursuing cricket is not merely financial — it is emotional too.
Young athletes often experience guilt knowing the sacrifices their families make. Parents take loans, cut household expenses, or work extra hours to sustain coaching and equipment costs. This pressure frequently impacts a player’s confidence and performance.
While financially secure players can focus solely on skill development, others must balance training with academics, part-time work, and family responsibilities. Over time, the dream begins to feel less like inspiration and more like an obligation.
The Invisible Barrier: Lack of Transparency
Beyond financial strain, many aspiring cricketers face another major challenge — inconsistent and non-transparent selection processes.
Complaints about favouritism, regional bias, and political influence in grassroots cricket trials in India are quite common. The absence of standardised evaluation mechanisms often leaves players feeling that performance alone may not guarantee selection.
After years of investment in coaching and travel, being overlooked due to non-performance factors can be devastating — prompting many to abandon the sport altogether.
A Billion-Dollar Industry — With a Grassroots Gap
Cricket today generates billions through sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and league-based tournaments. Yet, at the grassroots level, access to opportunity often remains limited by affordability.
The ecosystem thrives at the top — but frequently struggles to support the base it depends on.
C11CL Aims to Redefine the Pathway
Champions 11 Cricket League was founded in 2025 with the vision of creating a performance-based, transparent system for talent identification.
Through:
Open state-wise trials
Structured selection processes
Clearly defined evaluation criteria
C11CL seeks to ensure that players are selected based on merit — not financial resources or social access.
By partnering with mentors, sponsors, and cricketing experts, the league aims to create an ecosystem where players, particularly from smaller towns, can progress purely on the strength of their performance.
Rebuilding Trust in the Dream
C11CL stands for discipline, dedication, and diversity.
Whether a player trains on a remote village ground or a metropolitan academy, the evaluation standards remain the same. By emphasising affordability and transparency, the league hopes to address two of grassroots cricket’s most pressing challenges.
As Sachin Tendulkar wisely said:
“Chase your dreams, but make sure you don’t find shortcuts.”
Conclusion
Cricket began as a simple dream shared by millions. Over time, rising costs and opaque systems have made that dream harder to pursue.
Yet, hope remains.
By reforming grassroots structures and prioritising fairness, initiatives like C11CL aim to restore cricket’s inclusive spirit — ensuring that talent, not financial background, determines opportunity.
Because the true strength of Indian cricket lies not in stadium lights or sponsorship deals — but in the untapped potential of its smallest towns.