The Rajasthan Premier League (RPL) is a state-level T20 cricket tournament organised by the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). The league was created as part of the wider move by Indian state cricket associations to run their own franchise-based T20 competitions. The first RPL season was played in 2023 with six city-based teams.
The inaugural season ran from August 27 to September 10, 2023, with matches scheduled in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Jaipur Indians became the first champions after defeating Jodhpur Sunrisers in the final.
The league did not have a 2024 edition. In August 2024, the RCA’s ad hoc committee said it did not have the authority to organise the tournament that year.
What Is the Rajasthan Premier League?
The Rajasthan Premier League is a men’s T20 competition run by the Rajasthan Cricket Association. It features city-based franchise teams representing different parts of the state.
The original RPL structure was planned around six teams playing a round-robin league stage before the knockout matches. The RCA’s tender documents stated that the competition would have six franchises and use a round-robin format followed by playoffs.
The league gives Rajasthan-based players a platform to play franchise cricket alongside established domestic names.
History of the Rajasthan Premier League
2023 – Jaipur Indians Become the First Champions
The first Rajasthan Premier League season was played in August and September 2023. Six teams took part in the tournament.
Jaipur Indians reached the final against Jodhpur Sunrisers at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Jodhpur Sunrisers scored 168 runs before being bowled out in 20 overs.
Jaipur Indians chased the target in 19.5 overs, finishing on 171/5 to win by five wickets. Shubham Garhwal was named Player of the Series.
Abhijeet Tomar was the leading run-scorer of the tournament with 397 runs. Vishal Godara and Rahul Chahar both took 12 wickets, while the overall bowling statistics also featured Khaleel Ahmed and Rohit Khichar among the leading wicket-takers.
2024 – No RPL Season
The Rajasthan Premier League was not held in 2024.
RCA ad hoc committee convener Jaideep Bihani said in August 2024 that the interim committee did not have the required authority to organise the tournament. The league therefore did not return for a second season that year.
2025 – Plans and League Status
There were reports in January 2025 about the possibility of RPL matches being staged in Jaipur, Udaipur and Rajsamand. RCA officials also discussed efforts to conduct the tournament and provide opportunities for players. However, the Rajasthan Premier League season in 2025 did not happen.
2026 – Latest Status
The Rajasthan Premier League (RPL) has not announced a confirmed schedule or dates for a new season as of September 2026, following administrative disruptions and the appointment of an ad hoc committee by the Rajasthan Cricket Association.
Rajasthan Premier League Winners List
| Season | Winner | Runner-up | Result |
| 2023 | Jaipur Indians | Jodhpur Sunrisers | Jaipur Indians won by 5 wickets |
| 2024 | Not held | — | — |
| 2025 | Not held | — | — |
| 2026 | Not held | — | — |
Jaipur Indians remain the only confirmed Rajasthan Premier League champions in the tournament’s official franchise history. Their 2023 victory came in the inaugural season.
Rajasthan Premier League Teams
The first RPL season featured six city-based franchises:
| Team | City |
| Bhilwara Bulls | Bhilwara |
| Jodhpur Sunrisers | Jodhpur |
| Jaipur Indians | Jaipur |
| Jaanbaaz Kota Challengers | Kota |
| Shekhawati Soldiers Sikar | Sikar |
| Udaipur Lakecity Warriors | Udaipur |
These six teams were part of the inaugural 2023 competition.
Rajasthan Premier League Format
The RPL was designed as a six-team franchise competition. The RCA’s tender documents stated that the teams would play a round-robin league stage before moving into playoff matches to decide the champion and other final positions.
The 2023 tournament featured 19 T20 matches in total. The competition included league matches followed by an eliminator, two qualifiers and the final.
Rajasthan Premier League Venues
The RCA originally planned matches at two major grounds in Rajasthan.
Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur hosted the final and most of the 2023 matches. Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur was also included in the original tournament plans.
Sawai Mansingh Stadium has remained one of the state’s main cricket venues and was the venue for the inaugural RPL final.
Key Players from the RPL
Several Rajasthan and domestic cricket players featured prominently during the inaugural tournament.
Abhijeet Tomar was the leading run-scorer in 2023, finishing with 397 runs. His performances came for the Jodhpur Sunrisers, who reached the final.
Shubham Garhwal played an important role for Jaipur Indians and was named Player of the Series after their title-winning campaign. He also scored 225 runs during the tournament.
Vishal Godara and Rahul Chahar were among the leading wicket-takers, with 12 wickets each. Khaleel Ahmed also finished with 11 wickets during the competition.
Why the Rajasthan Premier League Matters
The RPL was introduced to create another competitive platform for players from Rajasthan. State-level T20 leagues can give domestic players more franchise cricket experience while allowing local talent to play alongside established names.
The RCA’s original tender documents also described the league as part of the wider BCCI-backed move encouraging state associations to conduct their own premier T20 competitions.
The future of the competition depends on the Rajasthan Cricket Association’s plans and the formal confirmation of upcoming seasons.
Rajasthan Premier League at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Rajasthan Premier League |
| Abbreviation | RPL |
| Organiser | Rajasthan Cricket Association |
| Format | T20 |
| First Season | 2023 |
| Teams in 2023 | 6 |
| First Champions | Jaipur Indians |
| 2023 Runner-up | Jodhpur Sunrisers |
| Main Venue | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur |
| Other Venue | Barkatullah Khan Stadium, Jodhpur |
| Latest Confirmed Season | 2023 |
| 2024 Status | Not held |
| 2025 Status | Not held |
| 2026 Status | Not held |
FAQs
Q. What is the Rajasthan Premier League?
A. It is a state-level T20 cricket league in Rajasthan.
Q. When did the Rajasthan Premier League start?
A. The first season was played in 2023
Q. Who won the first Rajasthan Premier League?
A. Jaipur Indians won the inaugural title in 2023.
Q. How many teams played in the first RPL season?
A. Six city-based teams played in 2023.
Q. Was the Rajasthan Premier League held in 2024?
A. No. The 2024 edition was not organised.
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