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BY MAULIKK BUCH FOR THE NEWSXT NETWORK
The Baroda Premier League (BPL) 2025 marked a historic milestone in Indian cricket, introducing a vibrant T20 tournament organized by the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA). Launched as a dynamic addition to India’s burgeoning state-run T20 leagues, the inaugural edition, held from June 15 to June 29, 2025, at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, captivated cricket enthusiasts with its high-octane matches and local talent showcase. Featuring five competitive teams—Alembic Warriors, Ami Super Avengers, Diamond Dazzlers, Pruthvi Panthers, and A4 Power Strikers—the tournament adopted a double round-robin format, culminating in playoffs and a grand finale. The BPL not only highlighted Vadodara’s rich cricketing heritage but also provided a platform for emerging players to shine on a prestigious stage. At the heart of this exhilarating season was the remarkable journey of the Alembic Warriors, who clinched the championship title in a nail-biting final, etching their name in history as the first-ever BPL champions.
The Baroda Premier League: A New Chapter in T20 Cricket
The BPL emerged as a celebration of cricketing talent in Gujarat, bringing together local heroes and aspiring stars in a fiercely competitive T20 format. With 32 matches played over two weeks, the tournament was designed to maximize excitement, with double-header match days starting at 2:45 PM and 6:45 PM IST, and single-game days kicking off at 6:45 PM. The BCA Stadium, known for its vibrant atmosphere, served as the primary venue, drawing passionate crowds and offering a festive backdrop to the games. Fans were treated to live streaming on platforms like FanCode, ensuring global accessibility to the action-packed encounters.
The five teams showcased a blend of seasoned players and young prospects, each vying for supremacy. The double round-robin structure ensured that every team faced the others twice, testing consistency and strategy over 24 league matches. The top four teams advanced to the playoffs, with the Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2, and the grand final determining the ultimate champion. The tournament’s format, combined with Vadodara’s cricketing fervor, created a perfect storm of competitive spirit and entertainment.
Alembic Warriors’ Road to Glory
The Alembic Warriors, led by standout performers like Ninad Rathva and Safvan Patel, embarked on a remarkable campaign that culminated in their championship victory. Their journey was characterized by resilience, strategic brilliance, and clutch performances, making them the team to beat in the inaugural BPL.
League Stage Dominance
The Warriors displayed consistent form throughout the league stage, finishing atop the points table with five wins, one loss, and one no-result in seven matches, boasting an impressive net run rate of +1.166. Key victories included a 15-run win (VJD method) against Ami Super Avengers on June 18, a 43-run triumph over Pruthvi Panthers on June 22, a 9-wicket rout of Pruthvi Panthers on June 25, a 7-wicket victory against Diamond Dazzlers on June 26, and an 8-wicket win over A4 Power Strikers on June 26. Their only defeat came against A4 Power Strikers by 17 runs on June 21, a match reduced to 10 overs due to rain.
Ninad Rathva emerged as the team’s linchpin, leading the Warriors as both the top run-scorer (180 runs) and a key bowler (4 wickets). His 51 off 34 balls against Pruthvi Panthers on June 22, including three fours and three sixes, was a defining moment, anchoring the innings to a competitive 160/8. Safvan Patel’s 14 wickets made him the team’s leading wicket-taker, consistently dismantling opposition batting lineups. Other contributors, such as Dhruv N Patel and Deep Patel, provided crucial support with bat and ball, ensuring the Warriors maintained momentum.
Playoff Prowess and the Grand Finale
The Warriors’ playoff campaign began with a hard-fought victory in Qualifier 1 against Ami Super Avengers on June 27. Chasing 159/7, the Warriors lost early wickets but rallied through Ninad Rathva’s composure and Deep Patel’s steady hand, securing a 4-wicket win with 2 balls to spare. This victory booked their spot in the final, setting the stage for a rematch against the Avengers.
The grand finale on June 29 at BCA Stadium was a spectacle of skill and nerve. Ami Super Avengers, who had qualified for the final based on their net run rate after a rain-abandoned Qualifier 2, posted 109/10 in 19 overs. The Warriors’ bowlers, led by Chintal Gandhi (3/13) and Safvan Patel, restricted the Avengers, with key wickets falling at critical junctures. During the chase, the Warriors faced early setbacks, reaching 105/6 by the 14.4th over. However, Ninad Rathva (11 off 13) and Deep Patel (not out) steered the team to 110/6 in 16.3 overs, clinching a 4-wicket victory. The final ball, a single by Deep Patel off Chintal Gandhi, sparked jubilant celebrations as the Warriors claimed the inaugural BPL title.
Standout Performers and Key Moments
The Alembic Warriors’ success was a team effort, with several players delivering match-defining performances. Ninad Rathva’s all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award in multiple games, including the Qualifier 1 victory. Dhruv N Patel’s aggressive 34 off 22 balls in the league stage and Anant Bharwad’s explosive 25 off 9 balls (4 fours, 1 six) in the 9-wicket win over Pruthvi Panthers showcased the team’s batting depth. Safvan Patel’s bowling prowess and Lakshit Toksiya’s 5 wickets added firepower to the Warriors’ attack.[](
The final itself was a microcosm of the Warriors’ campaign—gritty, determined, and clinical. Facing a modest target, they navigated a tense chase with composure, proving their mettle under pressure. The victory was celebrated with fervor, as captured in posts on X, with fans and the official BPL account hailing the Warriors as “champions in style.”
The Impact of BPL and Alembic Warriors’ Legacy
The Baroda Premier League 2025 not only showcased local talent but also reinforced Vadodara’s status as a cricketing hub. The tournament’s success, amplified by live streaming on FanCode and coverage on platforms like Cricket World and SportsTiger, brought regional cricket to a wider audience. For the Alembic Warriors, the victory was a testament to their preparation, teamwork, and ability to perform in clutch moments. Their triumph in the inaugural BPL sets a high benchmark for future editions and establishes them as a force to reckon with.
As the dust settles on the 2025 season, the Alembic Warriors’ championship win will be remembered as a defining moment in the BPL’s history. With their clinical all-round performance and unwavering spirit, they have set the tone for what promises to be an exciting legacy for the Baroda Premier League. For fans, the memories of the Warriors’ thrilling victories and the electric atmosphere at BCA Stadium will linger, fueling anticipation for the next chapter of this vibrant T20 spectacle.
