Ashutosh Sharma Emerges as Costliest Player in Madhya Pradesh League Auction
The first-ever IPL-style auction for the Madhya Pradesh League kicked off with high energy and fierce competition, culminating in Delhi Capitals finisher Ashutosh Sharma being crowned the most expensive player of the day. Held at the Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore, the auction saw a total of 244 players go under the hammer, with bids flying fast and furious as ten teams vied to build their squads for the upcoming season.
Record-Breaking Bids and Key Acquisitions
Ashutosh Sharma, who has built a solid reputation as a reliable finisher in the Indian Premier League, was secured by the Malwa Stallions for a whopping Rs 15 lakh. This bid set a new benchmark for the auction, highlighting his value after impressive performances with Punjab Kings in 2024 and his current stint with Delhi Capitals. His IPL contract of Rs 3.8 crore this season further underscored his appeal, making him a top target in the MPL bidding war.
Close on his heels was Lucknow Super Giants' Akshat Raghuwanshi, who attracted a bid of Rs 13.8 lakh from the Rewa Jaguars. The 22-year-old batsman had a standout MPL 2025 campaign, amassing 239 runs in just four matches, including a century, and recently secured his IPL debut with LSG for Rs 2.2 crore. Other notable buys included Aniket Verma, who went to the Bhopal Leopards for Rs 13.2 lakh, and Shivang Kumar, signed by the Bundelkhand Bulls for Rs 13 lakh. Shivang, with prior IPL experience at Sunrisers Hyderabad, drew consistent interest from multiple franchises throughout the auction.
Strategic Team Building and Auction Highlights
The auction, expertly conducted by renowned commentator Charu Sharma, witnessed intense competition, particularly in Category A, as teams focused on securing impact players while maintaining squad balance. Key acquisitions included Mangesh Yadav, who joined the Gwalior Cheetahs for Rs 12 lakh, and Madhav Tiwari, picked up by the Ujjain Falcons for Rs 10.6 lakh. The Royal Nimar Eagles made significant investments, signing Kumar Kartikeya for Rs 10.2 lakh and Saransh Jain for Rs 9.6 lakh.
Experienced wicketkeeper Ajay Rohera, who recently returned to Madhya Pradesh after representing Puducherry in the Ranji Trophy season, was bought by the Jabalpur Royal Lions for Rs 8.2 lakh. Indore's fast bowler Avesh Khan found a new home with the Chambal Ghariyals for Rs 8.2 lakh, while the Indore Pink Panthers secured Shivam Shukla for Rs 6.6 lakh. These moves reflect a strategic approach to assembling competitive rosters for the league's third season.
Growth and Future Prospects of the League
Speaking at the event, MPCA president and former MPL chairman Mahanaaryaman Scindia emphasized the league's role as a vital platform for identifying and nurturing talent. He noted that several players have already progressed to higher levels of cricket, showcasing the MPL's impact on player development. With squads now taking shape through this inaugural auction route, the stage is set for a highly competitive third season of the Madhya Pradesh League, scheduled to be held in Indore following the conclusion of the IPL.
The auction not only highlighted the financial stakes involved but also underscored the growing prestige of the MPL as a breeding ground for future cricket stars. As teams finalize their line-ups, fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with top-tier talent and thrilling matches.
