The inaugural edition of Global Power Cricket League (GPCL) T20 has caught everyone’s attention in the sporting world owing to its uniqueness and action-packed matches.

Marquee international cricketers from different parts of the world are featuring in the tournament. The league, as part of the NRI Festival celebrations, has also ensured that each team has Indian diaspora youth participation along with other players of that particular country.

The GPCL T20 gives the flavour of a World Cup format with playing squads of countries like India, Australia, England, USA, Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, and Sri Lanka competing with each other.

The structure of the playing squad also has been well thought of as it enables the foreign club cricketers, including the Indian diaspora global youth cricketers to rub shoulders with marquee and first-class players.

Former India leg-spinner Bobby Narasimha Rao, who is covering the GPCL T20 as a commentator, is observing talents featuring in the tournament from close quarters.

In an exclusive chat with Circle of Cricket, Bobby shared his thoughts on the quality of cricket in GPCL.

“The setup of ground and venue has been excellent and the quality of cricket has surprised me with some former Test cricketers like Ian Bell, Munaf Patel, Callum Ferguson, Narsingh Deonarine and a few budding youngsters from different countries,” he stated.

“They have executed high level skills in all three departments of the game. The tournament is at a very exciting stage. The organising capabilities and facilities are second to none,” he added.

Bobby Narasimha Rao, who represented India in 4 Tests, also believes that the GPCL is developing a new breed of stars and it should become a regular feature.

When asked if the GPCL can be a feeder to pick talent for big leagues like IPL, he replied: “Certainly. GPCL can be a nursery for global t20 tournaments such as IPL with the level of abundant talent shown by foreign first-class players and young cricketers.”

Talking about the GPCL T20, Indian Sapphires and English Reds have qualified for the semi-final from Pool A whereas Australian Golds and South African Emeralds have made it from Pool B.

Both the semifinals will take place in Delhi’s Yamuna Sports Complex Cricket Ground on October 8. The winners of the semifinal will square off in the final on October 9.