Team India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is set to become a co-owner of the Mumbai Pickle Power franchise in the inaugural season of the World Pickleball League (WPBL). His entry into India’s first franchise-based pickleball league marks a significant milestone for the sport, which is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide.
Pant said, “The excitement around pickleball is contagious and I personally love the sport. I wanted to invest into the World Pickleball League to take the sport to the next level. I couldn’t have found a better partner than Swiggy, where we share the same vision to amplify the popularity and excitement around pickleball.”
About the upcoming World Pickleball league
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, owing to its appeal and accessibility for players of all ages. Pickleball has emerged as a popular recreational and lifestyle activity and is poised to gain significant traction amongst Indians in the next few years.
Co-founded by former Indian Tennis Players Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the inaugural season of the six- team league, World Pickleball League (WPBL) is set to take place from January 24 to February 2, 2025. The Mumbai Pickle Power team will kick off its campaign against Pune United in the league’s inaugural match.
All matches, including the grand finale on February 2, 2025, will be held at the Cricket Club of India (Brabourne Stadium) in Mumbai and streamed live on FanCode.
What’s next for Rishabh Pant?
Rishabh Pant is all set to feature in the Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Saurashtra at Rajkot. Pant hasn’t played a Ranji Trophy game since leading Delhi in the final of the 2017-18 season against Vidarbha. It goes without saying that he will be crucial for the visitor in this fixture, more so given his prowess against spin on a surface that is expected to turn from day one.
