BIDDING WARS AND BIG BUCKS: INDIAN STREET PREMIER LEAGUE AUCTION SHOWCASES TENNIS BALL CRICKET’S FINEST IN HIGH-STAKES SHOWDOWN
In a whirlwind of glitz, glamour, and strategic maneuvers, the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) held its inaugural player auction at the Jio Convention Centre on Sunday, February 25th, 2024. This pioneering tennis ball T10 cricket tournament, set to captivate audiences, witnessed a thrilling spectacle as 96 players were carefully selected from a pool of 350 hopefuls. The inaugural edition of ISPL is scheduled to kick off from March 6th to 15th, 2024 at the Dadoji Kondadev Stadium in Thane, promising a spectacle that will captivate fans across the country. The tickets will be available on Book My Show beginning February 29th, 2024.
The auction day was marked by high stakes and intense bidding wars, as franchises vied for top talent to bolster their rosters. Abhishek Kumar Dalhor, the dynamic all-rounder from East Zone, stole the spotlight by commanding a staggering price tag of INR 27 lakh, soaring far beyond his base price of INR 3 lakh. The Amitabh Bachchan-owned ‘Majhi Mumbai’ secured his services, signalling a formidable start to their campaign.
Not to be outdone, ‘Bangalore Strikers’, owned by Hrithik Roshan, made significant acquisitions, including the seasoned all-rounder Saroj Paramanik for INR 19 lakh and the promising wicketkeeper-batter Sharik Yasir, all of 14 years old, the youngest player in the auction pool, for INR 3.2 lakh. Meanwhile, ‘Chennai Singams’, under the ownership of Surya, strengthened their line-up with the addition of left-handed batter Sumeet Dhekale, the 37-year-old, for INR 19 lakh and other notable talents.
Emerging stars also had their moment to shine, with franchises demonstrating a forward-looking approach by investing in youth talent. Uzair Shaikh, a standout in the U19 category, fetched a commendable INR 5.8 lakh, joining ‘Tiigers Of Kolkata’, owned by Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan.
The auction day culminated in a total expenditure of INR 4.91 Cr by the six franchises, underlining the league’s commitment to nurturing both experienced campaigners and rising stars. With the stage set for unparalleled competition, the ISPL promises to showcase the best of cricket talent from across the nation, heralding a new era of sporting excellence.
Sachin Tendulkar, Core Committee Member, ISPL, said, “This is one tournament where there will be a lot of eyes on the players. My message to them is to play the game in the right spirit. Everything you do or say will be observed. Every player should strive to set a good example. There is no better feeling than being able to express yourself in the middle of the stadium and having the whole crowd appreciate your performance. If you think of doing good things, then good results will follow. Stay committed and stay true to yourself. Be a good team.”
Ashish Shelar, Core Committee Member, ISPL said, “The ISPL auction has marked a pivotal juncture in the league’s trajectory, with franchises exhibiting strategic acumen to curate competitive and well-rounded squads. The ISPL will provide players from all nooks and corners of the country the much required financial stability. Players who have missed their chances during the selection trials also are being taken care of. We have provided bats, digitally signed by Sachin Tendulkar ji, a family card by Akshay Kumar ji, besides a number of scholarships distributed to over 100 players by Amitabh Bachchan ji. We are deeply invested in the growth and development of the league which will elevate the stature of the sport and ensure the birth of more number of local heroes.”
Amol Kale, Core Committee Member, ISPL, said, “ISPL’s forward-thinking approach is evident in the deliberate balance between seasoned campaigners and emerging stars. This season not only promises riveting cricket but also serves as a prominent platform for burgeoning talents to shine on the national stage.”
Suraj Samat, Commissioner, ISPL, said, “The fervour witnessed at the ISPL auction is indicative of the league’s escalating prominence and the heightened anticipation surrounding IPL 2024. I am looking forward to the upcoming season.”
