A cricket Premier League inside India’s Mathura Jail

Inmates hit the pitch in IPL-style league for fun, fitness and fresh starts

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Jail Premier League was organized on the lines of IPL among the prisoners in Mathura Jail.
Jail Premier League was organized on the lines of IPL among the prisoners in Mathura Jail.
ANI

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.”

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