Anil Agarwal has strongly backed the idea of an Indian Premier League franchise from Bihar, saying the state now deserves its own cricketing identity after producing several promising stars over the years. The Vedanta chairman took to social media to express his vision for a Bihar-based IPL team, arguing that states and cities across India have already built strong cricket cultures through franchise cricket, and Bihar should not be left behind.
Agarwal highlighted how Bihar has consistently produced talented cricketers despite lacking world-class infrastructure and elite-level cricketing facilities. He pointed to Ishan Kishan, who was born in Patna and went on to score the fastest ODI double century in terms of balls faced, as one of the finest examples of Bihar’s cricketing potential. He also praised teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from Samastipur, who recently became one of the youngest players to make an IPL debut.
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Agarwal further lauded young fast bowler Sakib Hussain from Gopalganj, whose performances in IPL 2026 have attracted widespread attention. According to him, Bihar’s growing contribution to Indian cricket proves that the state possesses enough talent to sustain a successful IPL franchise.
“Ishan Kishan, born in Patna, scored the fastest ODI double century in terms of balls faced. Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Samastipur became the youngest player to make an IPL debut. And today, the eyes of the entire world are on the brilliant bowling of Saqib Hussain,” Agarwal wrote on X.
The industrialist said it has always been his dream to ensure Bihar’s youth receive better sporting opportunities and infrastructure within the state itself. He stressed that with proper facilities, coaching systems and financial backing, Bihar’s young cricketers can compete with the very best in the world.
The demand for a standalone Bihar franchise has gained momentum during IPL 2026, especially with players like Sooryavanshi, Mukesh Kumar and Sakib Hussain making headlines for their respective franchises. Cricket fans from the region have long argued that Bihar remains underrepresented despite its massive passion for the sport and rich talent pool.
Agarwal also promised unconditional support toward improving Bihar cricket and helping local players grow. “For me, Bihar is not just a state — it’s an emotion. And now the time has come for the talent of our soil to shine on the field,” he added.
With Bihar’s cricketing voices becoming louder than ever, the conversation around a future IPL franchise from the state may finally be gaining serious momentum.
