Indian Premium League - 2016
Story of Rajasthan Royals: From 2008, when Rajasthan Royals started their journey from the City of Jaipur. The question was whether the cheapest Indian Premier League franchise would be able to stand up to other teams. But that's all past now. Over the years, Rajasthan Royals have become a part and parcel of Jaipur's life, at least in sports.
What started as just another commercial concept has been able to win over the Jaipurites. In a city, where international cricket was just an amateurish affair , it was the Rajasthan Royals who gave the people a taste of the world. But, it was not just about cricket.
There's hasn't been any looking back since. Inspired by the Rajasthan Royals' success story, many sports academies have come up in the city, providing world-class facilities to the budding players. This has even helped the city develop sporting infrastructure , and youngsters from various parts of the state are slowly considering cricket as a career option. Things which looked out of the box even five years back are slowly turning into a reality, and all these because of the IPL.
City of Jaipur hosting a few high-profile matches in the past, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium (home ground to the Rajasthan Royals) was considered just another cricket stadium of the country. But since 2008, things have changed faster & better. SMS Stadium recived the 'best ground' award from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), for preparing the best ground during IPLV. Now the Rajasthan Royals promoting young talents of the state, like Ashok Menarias or Dishant Yagniks have slowly become a household name. In the IPL9 the Nathu Singh boy of Jaipur was selected in Mumbai team.
According to major tourism centre, Jaipur wasn't really a major sporting hub. But over the years, the City of Jaipur is taking big steps towards becoming one. And, there's no denying the fact that the advent of Rajasthan Royals and one hopes the excitement will grow higher in the days to come. After a head start, it's time to keep Playing. Jai Ho!