Downpatrick set to host new Royal Premier League season

20 August 2025

THE fourth season of Royal Challengers Belfast’s Royal Premier League (RPL) cricket tournament is taking shape ahead of action at Downpatrick Cricket Club in September.

The latest edition of the competition is set to kick off with excitement and competitive spirit, with eight teams officially confirmed for this year’s competition.

Other interested teams will remain on the waiting list, as the league maintains a balanced structure this season, and there are hopes of expanding beyond eight teams in season five.

This time, the competition takes the shape of an exciting T10 tournament, played across two weekends towards end of the league campaign.

The participating teams this season are Belfast Gladiators, Belfast Super XI, Cotswold Eagles (England), DIMA (Dungannon), Dunmurry Lions, Laurelvale Lions, Namaste Thunders and hosts Royal Challengers Belfast,

These teams will be divided into two separate groups, playing in either Group Gold and Group Bold.

Matches for Group Gold are scheduled for Sunday, September 7, while Group Bold will play on Saturday, September 13.

Each team will contest two matches within their group, ensuring an intense round-robin stage.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with winners progressing to the final, while the losing semi-finalists will compete for third place on Sunday, September 14.

All matches will be played at the Downpatrick Cricket Grounds, providing a central venue for fans to enjoy the action.

Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating competitive play, strategic battles and high-quality performances across all teams.

The Royal Challengers Belfast committee overseeing this tournament includes Ravi Ningegowda, Dr Darshan Kumar, Dr Raghuram Satyanarayan and Vijay Santanam.

Their combined leadership and vision have been pivotal in planning and executing RPL season four, ensuring a professionally run tournament and a positive experience for players and fans alike.

With the group stages, semi-finals, and finals lined up, Royal Challengers Belfast’s RPL cricket tournament promises a festival of cricket, showcasing talent, skill and sportsmanship at every level.

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