‘APL has bridged the district-national gap’ says Girish Dongre

Outgoing Andhra Cricket Association COO Girish Dongre discusses the evolution of the Andhra Premier League T20, highlighting its expansion to three venues in 2026, increased scout visibility for rural youth, and future plans like player trading windows

Hyderabad: “The re-christened model of the Andhra Premier League T-20 championship, which started in 2023, was essentially to create a competitive platform that mirrors the intensity of national leagues, while giving our local talent exposure to high standards. We expected it to be a bridge between district cricket and the national stage, and I believe that vision has steadily taken shape” 62-year-old Girish Dongre, Chief Operating Officer of Andhra Cricket Association.

“The players have always embraced the format with enthusiasm, the support staff have shown immense professionalism, and the officials have worked tirelessly to ensure smooth conduct. Their collective commitment has been the backbone of APL’s success,” Girish informed ‘Telangana Today’.

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“This season has seen sharper competition, better organisation, and improved facilities. The maturity of the league is evident, teams are more balanced, and the overall quality of cricket has risen. Another feather in cap for ACA/APL is , 2026 APL played at multiple (three) venues, Vizag, Kadapa and Mangalagiri. Kadapa and Mangalagiri saw huge crowds coming to stadiums,” Girish “The biggest pluses from this APL are enhanced visibility for players, stronger engagement from districts, improved infrastructure and logistics and growing spectator interest, both on-ground and digitally,” he said.

“The APL has given youngsters from across Andhra Pradesh a stage to showcase their skills. Many who might have remained unnoticed in district cricket are now being tracked by selectors and scouts,” Girish said.

“Definitely, logistics is a real challenge when APL is played at multiple venues but I must say the ACA top brass has been supportive and encouraging. My team has shown remarkable dedication, often going beyond their call of duty. Their belief in the project has been reassuring,” he said.

“We may introduce a trading window ahead of next season, greater use of technology for analytics and fan engagement,” he said about any likely changes for the next edition.

“I sincerely believe APL enhances the chances for Andhra players. Several performances here have already caught attention. This is the only white ball competitive tournament a state association conducts,” Girish said.

“I never felt like an outsider. I focused on the work, on building trust, and on delivering results. My immediate goal is to ensure a smooth transition as I step down from formal responsibilities. Beyond that, I wish to remain available for guidance and contribute to cricket development in Andhra in whatever capacity is useful,” he said.