Business Tycoon Vivek Podder Steps into Assam Franchise Cricket with Acquisition of Barak Legends in APL 2026

Prominent industrialist and business leader Vivek Podder disclosed during a press conference on Monday that he has officially expanded his footprint into sports management by acquiring the Barak Legends, the first-ever franchise cricket team representing Southern Assam in the inaugural Assam Premier League (APL) 2026.

The venture marks a historic milestone for cricket in the Barak Valley—comprising Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts—bringing professional franchise cricket to the region under the governance of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA).

Podder, who serves as the CEO of the franchise, is a prominent business personality in Southern Assam. He heads commercial ventures in Silchar, including Podder Toyota and Podder & Podder Equipment (JCB), and serves as the Founder President of the South Assam Chapter of the Assam Chamber of Commerce (ACC).

Strategic Auction Bids & Squad Composition

Demonstrating strong financial backing during the official APL 2026 player auctions, Barak Legends secured Assam state team all-rounder Sibsankar Roy for ₹12 Lakhs. The acquisition made Roy the third-highest pick across the entire eight-team league, anchoring an 18-member squad structured across Marquee, A, B, and C player categories.

The team’s technical operations will be managed by a seasoned professional coaching setup:

• Head Coach: R.K. Yadav
• Team Manager: Dipankar Aditya
• Video Analyst: Amit Singh (former analyst for the Meghalaya senior team)

Speaking during Monday’s interaction, Vivek Podder highlighted that the franchise aims to establish a direct talent pipeline for local youth.

“The launch of Barak Legends is more than just the birth of a cricket team; it is a movement to inspire our young, local talent to dream big,” Podder stated. “Under the rally cry ‘Khelbe Barak, Jitbe Barak’, we are bringing the community together and building a platform where regional athletes can perform on a professional stage.”

Podder also acknowledged the role of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Assam Cricket Association in developing sports infrastructure and youth programs across the state.

Barak Legends Complete Match Schedule (APL 2026)

All matches for the Barak Legends will take place at the ACA Stadium, Barsapara in Guwahati:

The top four teams in the standings after the conclusion of match 40 on August 20 will advance to the semi-finals on August 21, leading up to the Grand Finale on August 23 at the ACA Stadium, Barsapara.