A cricket Premier League inside India’s Mathura Jail

No stadium, no floodlights, and no roaring crowd. But that didn’t stop the players — or the spectators — from enjoying every moment at Mathura Jail.

Inmates are stepping up to the crease in their very own Jail Premier League — a spirited spin on the Indian Premier League that’s bringing smiles, teamwork, and a whole lot of healthy competition behind bars.

The prison courtyard has been transformed into a mini cricket arena, with inmates from various barracks forming teams, wearing colourful jerseys, and battling it out in matches full of energy and enthusiasm.

Launched as part of a rehabilitation initiative, the JPL aims to nurture sporting talent, promote fitness, and ease mental stress among inmates. And it’s already a hit.

“Such activities help in behavioural improvement and provide a sense of teamwork and discipline,” said a jail official, watching the action from the sidelines.

Beyond the boundaries and sixes, the JPL is about second chances — helping inmates channel their energy into something positive and preparing them for life after release. One prison officer said, “This league is more than a game — it’s a fresh start.”