Tillo Cup 2026: India’s Premier Player-Centric T20 League Marks Its Historic 30th Edition

Few cricket tournaments in India can match the legacy, credibility, and player-first approach of the Tillo Cup.

Returning in February 2026, the tournament celebrates its 30th edition at the iconic Hanuman Jew Stadium, Bhadrak, strengthening its reputation as one of India’s most respected and influential T20 leagues.

Organised by the Tillo Athletic Association, the Tillo Cup is a nationally approved competition that consistently attracts elite institutional, corporate, club, academy, and franchise teams from across India and abroad.

Tournament Structure: Designed for Elite Competition and Player Visibility

The Tillo Cup 2026 will follow a T20 league-cum-knockout format, ensuring competitive balance while maximising opportunities for players to perform under pressure.

Key features include:

• T20 format on turf wickets
• Day matches with colour uniforms
• Entry limited to premier teams only
• Participation from Pan-India and international teams
• Mandatory inclusion of IPL and Ranji Trophy players in every squad
• Live broadcasting with on-ground giant screens
• Structured player interviews and media coverage
• Strong emphasis on individual player promotion
• A fully approved league, trusted by institutions and scouts

What sets the Tillo Cup apart is its focus on making players visible, not just results memorable.

A 35-Year Legacy of Trust, Talent, and Opportunity

Founded in 1990, the Tillo Cup has evolved into one of India’s most player-centric cricket leagues. Long before such formats became common, earlier editions featured international teams, giving the tournament a global footprint.

Under the leadership of President Er. Lucky Swain, an entrepreneur with a clear transformational vision, the league has steadily grown into a recognised player scouting platform.

Advisor Dr. Manmath Roul, Principal of a prominent engineering college, sums it up best:

Tillo Cup has become synonymous with player scouting and institutional player promotion.

That reputation has been built over decades, not seasons.

Cricketing Icons Who Have Played the Tillo Cup

Over the years, the Tillo Cup has witnessed performances from players who went on to represent India and top franchises, including:

• MS Dhoni
• Ishan Kishan
• Yash Dhull
• Mohammad Nabi
• Bharat Chipli
• Dhimon Ghosh
• Johrul Islam

Their participation reflects the tournament’s competitive quality and scouting relevance.

Patron’s Vision: Building a Pathway to the Top

The Patron of Tillo Cup, Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra, former Ranji cricketer, coach, and Ex-MLA, has played a key role in shaping the league’s long-term direction.

His focus remains clear: to develop both the venue and the tournament into a credible scouting platform for IPL and national-level cricket.

Tillo Athletic Association: Three Decades of Commitment

The foundation of the Tillo Cup lies in the tireless efforts of the Tillo Athletic Association, which has been hosting the tournament since 1990.

The association is supported by 200+ dignitaries, with notable contributors.

Prominent Teams That Define the Tillo Cup

The league continues to attract some of the strongest teams from India and overseas, including:

Air India, Indian Oil, Tata Sports, Indian Navy, DY Patil, CAG, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda Bengaluru, Wonder Cement Udaipur, Uttarakhand State, JP Sports UP, Sapience Gurgaon, SPJ Cargo Delhi, A&S Sports, MTN Afghanistan, Rajshahi Bangladesh, Kathmandu Nepal, KL Star Malaysia.

This blend of institutional strength and international presence keeps the competition intense and diverse.

Celebrity Players Who Elevated the Tournament

The Tillo Cup has featured an impressive list of star players, including:

Hrithik Shokeen, Mayank Rawat, Anuj Rawat, Digvesh Rathi, Bhanu Pania, Bharat Chipli, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Punia, Aditya Tare, Ricky Bhui, Aman Khan, Atit Sheth, Lalit Yadav, Deepraj Gaonkar, Abhinav Manohar, KL Srijith, Raju Bhatkal, Paul Valthaty, Siddharth Trivedi, and several others.

Their presence continues to reinforce the league’s standing as a serious cricketing platform.

Team Participation and Registration

Teams interested in participating are requested to submit their team profile and participation request at the earliest.

📧 Email: mailto:taaorissa@yahoo.in

With limited slots and strict eligibility criteria, early communication is strongly advised.