Mathura, May 15 — In a first-of-its-kind initiative to promote rehabilitation through sports, the Mathura district jail in Uttar Pradesh successfully conducted an IPL-style cricket tournament titled ‘Champions Cricket League’, engaging inmates over a month-long sporting schedule.
130 inmates, including convicts and undertrials, were divided into eight teams modeled after popular IPL franchises. The teams were named Knight Riders, Capitals, Super Giants, Super Kings, Indians, Royal Challengers, Titans, and Royals, aligning with the theme of the Indian Premier League.
In the final match on Wednesday, the Knight Riders defeated the Capitals to clinch the championship title.
“This was the first time such an elaborate sporting event was held inside Mathura jail,” said Jail Superintendent Anshuman Garg. “The objective was to foster a positive mindset among inmates and steer them away from negativity.”
Apart from cricket, the prison has introduced a range of sports, including volleyball, badminton, and table tennis, to support the physical and mental well-being of inmates.
The initiative was made possible through CSR funding from the Mathura Refinery unit of Indian Oil Corporation, which helped construct dedicated sports arenas and provided cricket kits for the tournament.
This move is part of a broader rehabilitation program designed to encourage constructive engagement and personal development among the incarcerated population.