For the first time ever, India is all set to witness professional pickleball action at the national level with the launch of the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) 2025.
From December 1-7, 2025, the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, will become the stage for a week of thrilling matches, featuring six city-based franchises - Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Gurugram - competing to make history in this inaugural season.
A New Sporting Adventure for India
Pickleball, a fast-paced and action-packed mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been gaining fans worldwide for its speed, accessibility, and excitement. Now, with the IPBL, Indian fans will get their first taste of a franchise-based national league, bringing together the best
domestic talent and international stars under one roof.
This league is a milestone for Indian pickleball and for the first time a professional platform has come into being where players can showcase their skills, and fans can experience the thrill of top-level pickleball in India.
Star Players & Exciting Franchises
The player auction earlier this month created buzz and anticipation across the country:
- Quang Duong (World No. 3) headlines as the marquee signing for Mumbai Smashers.
- Megan Fudge, an international star from the U.S., joins the Hyderabad Royals.
- India's top-ranked Aditya Ruhela will represent the Lucknow Leopards, underscoring the growing strength of homegrown talent.
Each franchise carries its own identity and story:
- Mumbai Smashers - Mumbai's energy and modern vibe reflected on the court
- Hyderabad Royals - Tech-forward and innovative, representing one of India's most dynamic cities
- Chennai Super Warriors - Committed to growing pickleball community
- Bengaluru Blasters - Ambitious, tech-savvy, aiming to make Bengaluru the pickleball hub of India
- Lucknow Leopards - Bold, confident, culturally vibrant, with rising Indian stars
- Capital Warriors Gurgaon - Community-driven, professional, and fan-focused
Big Expectations, Bigger Excitement
The inaugural IPBL promises intense matches, riveting rivalries, and star-studded line-ups. Beyond the action on court, the league is an opportunity to create a new sporting culture in India, inspiring younger players, engaging fans, and building a platform for professional pickleball to thrive.
A Historic Beginning
The IPBL 2025 is more than just a league - it is the start of a sporting revolution in India. For the first time, fans will witness professional pickleball at a national scale, with top-notch competition, international flair, and city pride all coming together.
As India's pickleball journey begins, the IPBL promises a week of unforgettable moments, new heroes, and unmatched energy. This is just the beginning - the start of a league that aims to grow, inspire, and entertain for years to come.
