Vedanta Group chairman sparks hope for Bihar IPL team, CM extends support

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has welcomed the positive remarks made by Anil Agarwal, Chairman of the Vedanta Group, regarding the possibility of Bihar having its own IPL franchise in the future.

In a post on X on Friday, Agarwal highlighted Bihar’s growing cricketing strength and expressed optimism about the state’s potential to have an IPL team in the coming years.

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Referring to the emergence of talented cricketers from Bihar and the increasing popularity of the sport in the state, he said Bihar possesses immense cricketing passion and talent, which could eventually pave the way for an IPL franchise representing the state.

Responding to Agarwal’s remarks, Choudhary said, “I completely agree with you. For the ‘emotion’ of cricket in Bihar, the government is working in mission mode with a clear vision. With your support, a positive decision regarding Bihar’s cricket team will certainly be taken.”

Earlier, Agarwal wrote on X, “Don’t you think Bihar should also have an extraordinary team like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders?”

He noted that Bihar has produced several outstanding cricketers. Ishan Kishan, born in Patna, scored the fastest ODI double century, while Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Samastipur became the youngest player to make an IPL debut. He also praised Sakib Hussain, who hails from a modest family in Gopalganj, saying the cricketing world is closely watching his impressive bowling performances.

“But one thing has always bothered me, why has Bihar still not received the recognition and identity in cricket that we truly deserve?” Agarwal said.

“I stand firmly with the youth of Bihar in this mission. I will provide unconditional support from my side to promote Bihar’s cricket team and its players. Bihar is not just a state for me, it is an emotion. And now the time has come for the talent of our soil to shine on the field,” he added.

Agarwal, the billionaire founder and chairman of the Vedanta Group, was born and raised in Patna. While his global mining and natural resources business operates worldwide, he continues to maintain strong personal and philanthropic ties with Bihar and frequently advocates for the state’s youth and economic development.

Officials of the Bihar Cricket Association also welcomed the remarks made by Choudhary and Agarwal regarding the development of cricket in the state and the need to provide better opportunities for players.

BCA Secretary Ziaul Arfeen said that three players from Bihar are currently associated with IPL franchises. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is with Rajasthan Royals, Sakib Hussain is part of Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Mohammad Izhar is associated with Mumbai Indians.

He added that these players are performing consistently and contributing significantly to their respective teams. Apart from them, several cricketers from Bihar are also working with IPL franchises as net bowlers.