Veteran Coach to Lead India’s National Championship While Driving CORE Cricket’s Expansion Across the Indian Subcontinent
CORE Cricket, under the aegis of the International Federation of Corporate Cricket (IFCC), is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural CORE Youth Cricket League (CYCL) India Championship 2026, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s global vision to create one of the world’s largest youth cricket development ecosystems.
The championship will be led by renowned cricket coach and high-performance specialist Gopal Jasapara, who has been appointed as the National Tournament Director for India. Under his leadership, the inaugural edition will bring together India’s finest young cricketers through a structured national competition that combines elite cricket, leadership development, high-performance coaching and international exposure.
Scheduled to take place from 26 October to 1 November 2026 in Rajkot, Gujarat, the seven-day national championship will feature eight regional franchise teams representing North, South, East & Central, and West India. The tournament has been designed as India’s premier pathway for emerging cricket talent, with the national champions earning the honour of representing India at the CYCL Global Champions Trophy in Dubai against champions from other participating nations.
The launch of the India Championship represents far more than a tournament. It marks the beginning of CORE Cricket’s long-term commitment to developing a sustainable cricket ecosystem across the Indian subcontinent through talent identification, coach education, technology, leadership programmes and world-class player development.
As National Tournament Director, Gopal Jasapara will oversee the complete execution of the India Championship while also spearheading CORE Cricket’s strategic expansion throughout India and neighbouring countries. His responsibilities will include developing partnerships with cricket academies, schools, coaches, franchise owners and state-level stakeholders to establish a strong grassroots and high-performance network.
One of the key strategic initiatives under his leadership will be the establishment of the CORE High Performance Centre (HPC) in India. The centre will serve as a flagship facility offering elite coaching, sports science, strength and conditioning, performance analytics, nutrition, biomechanics and talent identification programmes, providing young cricketers with access to world-class development opportunities without leaving the country.
Speaking about the launch, Geoff Cook, Founding Member, CORE Cricket, said:
“The launch of the inaugural CYCL India Championship is a defining moment in our global journey. India has produced some of the world’s greatest cricketers, and we believe the next generation deserves a structured platform that connects grassroots talent with global opportunities. We are delighted to have Gopal Jasapara leading this mission. His experience, credibility and passion for player development make him the ideal leader to build not only India’s biggest youth championship but also a sustainable high-performance cricket ecosystem that will inspire future generations.”
Commenting on his appointment, Gopal Jasapara said:
“It is a privilege to lead the inaugural CYCL India Championship and be part of CORE Cricket’s ambitious vision. This initiative is much more than a competition—it is a platform to discover talent, develop character and create opportunities for young cricketers to compete internationally. I look forward to working with academies, coaches, schools and cricket stakeholders across India to build a world-class pathway for future champions.”
The CYCL India Championship has been designed to deliver an elite tournament experience, including professional match officials, live streaming, performance analytics, digital player profiles, leadership masterclasses, nutrition and recovery programmes, and high-performance coaching. Beyond cricket, participants will gain valuable exposure to leadership, teamwork and personal development, ensuring they are prepared both on and off the field.
The India Championship forms an integral part of the CORE Youth Cricket League Global Series, with national championships taking place across India, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Each national champion will qualify for the prestigious CYCL Global Champions Trophy, where the world’s best youth teams will compete for international honours.
The launch also signals the beginning of CORE Cricket’s broader investment in India, including the development of regional High Performance Centres, coach education programmes, talent identification camps, franchise development, and strategic partnerships that will strengthen the country’s youth cricket ecosystem for years to come.
With the appointment of Gopal Jasapara and the launch of the inaugural India Championship, CORE Cricket continues to strengthen its commitment to developing talent, building character and creating champions, while providing young cricketers with a clear pathway from regional competition to the global stage.
About CORE Cricket
CORE Cricket is a global youth cricket development initiative operating under the International Federation of Corporate Cricket (IFCC). Through high-performance coaching, talent identification, leadership development, technology-driven performance analysis and international competition, CORE Cricket is building one of the world’s most connected youth cricket ecosystems.
Its flagship competition, the CORE Youth Cricket League (CYCL), provides young cricketers with a structured pathway from grassroots participation to international representation through national championships and the annual CYCL Global Champions Trophy.
Developing Talent. Building Character. Creating Champions.
