Pondicherry T20 Tournament (India) 2023/24

The Pondicherry T20 Tournament, also known as the Pondicherry Premier League, is a local club cricket competition organized by the Cricket Association Puducherry (CAP). It serves as a platform for local talent and former professional players, operating independently of the BCCI-sanctioned domestic tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy. The tournament brings together six franchise-style clubs: Tigers XI, Bulls XI, Tuskers XI, Panthers XI, Lions XI, and Sharks XI, though team compositions have evolved over time with newer teams appearing in recent years.

The season structure typically involves a league stage where teams play each other in a double round-robin format, followed by semi-finals and a final. Promotion and relegation do not apply as it is a closed local league. The tournament has seen various title sponsors, including Siechem and Byju’s, with different sponsors taking the lead in different years.

Notable winners include Lions XI, who claimed the inaugural title in 2020, although some sources cite Tigers XI due to points table standings after a cancelled final. Panthers XI have been dominant in recent years, winning the tournament in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Karaikal XI won the 2024 edition, while Villianur Mohit Kings secured the 2025 title, a final marked by controversy involving a timed-out dismissal.

The competition is distinct from the official Puducherry state team competitions in the BCCI hierarchy, focusing instead on local district franchises. It provides a vital outlet for cricket enthusiasts in the region, fostering community spirit and showcasing emerging stars from the Puducherry district.