Watch: Jail Premier League Brings IPL Style Cricket to Mathura Prison

Mathura Jail initiated a new and unique method for maintaining the health and activity of prisoners by conducting a cricket tournament named the 'Jail Premier League (JPL).' The concept, adopted from the highly popular Indian Premier League (IPL), was devised to inject some enjoyment and liberty into the lives of the prisoners in the jail.

 

The tournament was started in April 2025 and comprised prisoners from various barracks. They formed eight teams divided into two groups, Group A and Group B, each having four teams. Within the jail, they played 12 league matches, two semi-finals, and a final match.

 

Watch the video here:

 

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | To enhance the talent of the prisoners, improve their physical health and relieve them from mental stress, Jail Premier League was organized on the lines of IPL among the prisoners in Mathura Jail pic.twitter.com/ACofTYmRgi

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2025

 

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Cricket and Celebration Inside the Jail

 

The last match was played between two teams named Knight Riders and Capitals, and the winner of the tournament was Knight Riders. The project was headed by the jail superintendent, Anshuman Garg, who stated that this was an attempt to provide an opportunity for prisoners to prove themselves in a positive sense. Balloons decorated the cricket ground, and guests cheered for the players. Prizes were awarded to the winners and the best players.

 

Kaushal was awarded the and the Player of the Series. The Purple Cap for the most excellent bowling was awarded to Pankaj, while Bhura received the Orange Cap for the most runs scored. The tournament concluded with a dance show by one of the prisoners, completing the festive atmosphere. Most of the prisoners opined that this tournament provided them with a fleeting experience of liberty within the jail premises.

 

Speaking about the initiative, Jail Superintendent Anshuman Garg said to TOI:

 

"The purpose of this is that in today's walled life, some moments will give a feeling of freedom. This is not just a final match, it is a victory of hope, a race of confidence. The ground is the same, but the players have changed - today every run, every catch, every win... is an attempt to prove oneself again."

 

This latest initiative demonstrates how sports may enhance the body and mind, even in institutions such as prisons.