Team launched in the presence of cricket legend Kapil Dev; Jain Sports announced as Team Partner as Bangalore Blasters set ambitious vision for the JPL Season 1
Bengaluru,
12th August 2026: Navrathan Jewellers, owners of the Bangalore
Blasters, on Tuesday unveiled the team ahead of the inaugural JITO
Premier League (JPL) Season 1, marking the beginning of an ambitious
sporting journey that brings together cricket, community, entrepreneurship and
a shared pursuit of excellence.
The
team was launched in the presence of Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev,
who gave the players an inspiring pep talk in his iconic style. The event was
also attended by IPL star Vaishak Vijaykumar, adding further cricketing
pedigree to the launch.
The
inaugural JITO Premier League will be held from 24 August to 5 September
2026 at the CCC Cricket Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with the inaugural
ceremony scheduled for 24 August.
For
Navrathan Jewellers, the Bangalore Blasters is much more than a
participation in a community cricket tournament. The franchise represents the
owners' ambition to build a professionally managed, competitive and
values-driven sporting property that can create a lasting identity within the
JITO ecosystem.
Speaking
on the launch, Mahendar Bafna, Team Owner, Bangalore Blasters, said:
“For Navrathan Jewellers, the Bangalore Blasters is an opportunity to bring our
passion for sport, our commitment to excellence and our belief in community
together on one platform. We have a larger vision for this team than simply
competing in a tournament. We want to build a professionally managed sporting
property that people can identify with, support and be proud of. Our ambition
is to make the Bangalore Blasters one of the most competitive and respected
teams in the JITO Premier League, while representing Bengaluru with pride.”
He
added: “The inaugural season in Colombo is the first step in what we believe
can become a much bigger journey. We want the Blasters to stand for excellence,
professionalism, teamwork and integrity, both on and off the field. We are also
delighted to have Jain Sports as our partner in this journey. Their association
strengthens our vision of creating a meaningful sporting ecosystem around the
team. Having a legend like Kapil Dev at our launch makes this occasion even
more special, and we are equally excited to welcome Vaishak Vijaykumar.”
The
Bangalore Blasters will represent Bengaluru and its community with an
emphasis on professionalism, teamwork, discipline, integrity and excellence.
The franchise's vision is to use the JPL as a platform to bring together
accomplished professionals, entrepreneurs and cricket enthusiasts while
creating a culture that combines competitive sporting ambition with community
bonding.
Jain
Sports has been announced as a key Partner of the Bangalore Blasters,
bringing its experience and commitment to sports to the team's journey. The
partnership reflects the shared vision of building a strong sporting ecosystem
and using cricket as a platform to promote participation, performance,
community and the development of sport.
Dr
Chenraj Roychand, founder chairman of Jain Group and Chancellor of Jain
deemed-to-be-University said:
“Sport
has the unique ability to bring people together, create aspirations and build a
culture of excellence. The Bangalore Blasters is an exciting initiative because
it combines that sporting spirit with the larger values of community and
collaboration that JITO represents. At Jain Sports, we are delighted to partner
with the team and support its vision. We believe the Blasters can become a
strong platform for competitive cricket while also inspiring greater
participation in sport and creating meaningful connections within the
community.”
Speaking
as Chief Guest at the launch, Kapil Dev said:
“Cricket has always had the power to bring people
together, and that is what makes initiatives like the JITO Premier League
special. It is not only about winning matches; it is about discipline,
teamwork, friendships and creating a culture of sporting excellence. The
Bangalore Blasters have the opportunity to build something special, it is the
vision of the team and your passion that is important. I wish the team and the entire
JITO Premier League the very best for a successful inaugural season.”
Vicky
Ostwal, Chairman, JITO, said: “It is always exciting
to see new platforms that bring cricket closer to communities and give players
an opportunity to compete, learn and enjoy the game. The Bangalore Blasters has
a strong vision and I am sure the team will bring a competitive mindset to the
JITO Premier League. What makes tournaments like this special is the
combination of cricket, teamwork and the relationships built around the game. I
wish the Bangalore Blasters the very best for their inaugural season.”
The
JITO Premier League is JITO's flagship community cricket tournament,
bringing together cricket and the values of fitness, discipline,
sportsmanship, brotherhood, networking and community bonding. The inaugural
edition in Colombo is expected to bring together cricketing talent and members
of the JITO community in a celebration of sport and camaraderie.
For
the Bangalore Blasters, the tournament is also an opportunity to demonstrate
that community sport can be driven with the same professionalism, preparation
and competitive intensity associated with elite sport.
The
team's partnership with Jain Sports further strengthens this approach,
bringing together the ownership vision of Navrathan Jewellers and the sporting
expertise and ecosystem of Jain Sports.
The
launch also marks the beginning of a broader ambition for the Bangalore
Blasters — to create a team that is not defined only by its results, but by the
culture it builds, the community it represents and the sporting aspirations it
inspires.
With
the inaugural JITO Premier League commencing on 24 August 2026, the
Bangalore Blasters will now travel to Colombo determined to make a strong first
impression and lay the foundation for a long-term sporting journey.
About
Bangalore Blasters
The
Bangalore Blasters is the Bengaluru franchise participating in the
inaugural JITO Premier League (JPL), with Navrathan Jewellers as
the team owners and Jain Sports as a key team partner. The franchise
aims to build a high-performance cricket team rooted in professionalism,
teamwork, integrity and community spirit, while representing Bengaluru at the
inaugural JPL in Colombo.
About
JITO Premier League
The
JITO Premier League (JPL) is JITO's flagship community cricket
tournament, bringing together cricket enthusiasts and members of the community
through a celebration of sport, fitness, discipline, sportsmanship, networking,
brotherhood and community bonding. The inaugural season will be held in Colombo,
Sri Lanka, from 24 August to 5 September 2026.