The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) has taken a significant step in its evolution by announcing its first-ever list of retained players ahead of the highly anticipated Season 3 Player Auction. This landmark move allows franchises to secure one key performer, building a core around which they can construct their squads for the upcoming edition.
Star Players Secured by Franchises
Majhi Mumbai has made the biggest financial commitment, retaining the services of last season's standout performer, Abhishek Dalhor, for a sum of ₹26.65 lakh. Dalhor's ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was crucial for his team and his growth has been recognized at the highest level, earning him a role as a net bowler for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025.
Not far behind, Chennai Singams has ensured the continuity of their dependable top-order batsman, Jagannath Sarkar, for ₹20.02 lakh. Sarkar proved to be a versatile force, adept at anchoring chases and accelerating the innings when required, often lifting his team in critical matches.
Other franchises have also secured their key assets. Tiigers of Kolkata retained all-rounder Bhavesh Pawar for ₹11.05 lakh, while Falcon Risers Hyderabad kept batsman Mansoor KL for ₹4.5 lakh. These retentions highlight the franchises' faith in players who provided consistent and impactful performances in Season 2.
Groundbreaking Changes for Season 3 Auction
The Season 3 Player Auction is scheduled for December 9 in Mumbai and introduces several revolutionary features designed to increase excitement and strategic depth. The most talked-about innovation is the "Googly Power" mechanism, which will allow for sudden bid jumps of ₹1 lakh at any moment during the proceedings.
Team purses have been substantially increased from ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore, providing franchises with greater financial muscle. Squad sizes have also been expanded to accommodate 18 players. A massive pool of 408 players from 101 cities across India will be available, categorized into six zones: U-19, West, East, Central, South, and North, all at a base price of ₹3 lakh.
Existing franchises will have two Right to Match (RTM) cards to further retain their talent. New rules mandate that each team must include at least two U-19 players and ensure balanced zonal representation, promoting diversity and opportunity.
Expanded League with Star Power and High Stakes
Reflecting its rapid growth, the ISPL expands to an eight-team tournament in Season 3 with the addition of two glamorous new franchises. Delhi Superheros, led by Salman Khan, and Ahmedabad Lions, owned by Ajay Devgn, will join the existing star-studded line-up. The league is backed by a leadership group featuring icons like Sachin Tendulkar, further cementing its credibility.
The upcoming season will be held at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat from January 9 to February 6, 2026. Adding an extraordinary incentive, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season will be awarded a brand-new Porsche 911, raising the stakes for individual excellence to unprecedented levels.
League Commissioner Suraj Samat stated that introducing player retentions marks an important step in the ISPL's evolution, enhancing competitive balance and building auction excitement. Dipak Chauhan, President of Operations, added that with higher purses, new franchises, and improved rules, Season 3 promises to be the most exciting yet.
Fans can catch all the live action from the ISPL Season 3 Auction on the Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.
