The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday proved to be a landmark event for cricketing talent from Uttar Pradesh. While all eyes were on Amethi's Prashant Veer, who entered the record books as the most expensive uncapped player in IPL auction history, four more homegrown players from the state successfully found franchises.
A Quintet of Uttar Pradesh Talent Finds Buyers
Out of a total of 13 players from Uttar Pradesh who were part of the auction pool, five managed to secure contracts. Alongside the record-breaking Prashant Veer, the successful quartet included Lucknow's Naman Tiwari, pace bowlers Shivam Mavi and Kartik Tyagi, and Vishal Nishad. This highlights the growing pipeline of competitive cricketers emerging from the state.
Naman Tiwari's Dream Come True with Lucknow SuperGiants
Young pacer Naman Tiwari scripted a personal milestone by becoming only the fourth player from Lucknow city to be picked in the IPL, following in the footsteps of Akshdeep Nath, Vipraj Nigam, and Zeeshan Ansari. His home franchise, Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG), acquired him for Rs 1 crore.
Tiwari's journey to this moment was built on consistent performances. He first made waves in the UPT20 league, finishing as the fourth-highest wicket-taker with an impressive haul of 19 wickets in just 10 matches. He carried that form into the CK Nayudu Trophy, bagging six wickets in two matches.
Speaking about his breakthrough, Naman Tiwari told TOI, "After the Under-19 World Cup 2024, I needed a big platform to prove myself. The UPT20 league provided that opportunity, and I seized it with 19 wickets. This IPL deal is the next big break, and I will give my absolute best."
He also expressed gratitude towards the LSG management, saying, "I thank Sanjeev Goenka and Lucknow SuperGiants for believing in me after I served as a net bowler for them for two years. My coach, Vishwajeet Sinha from Colvin Taluqdars' Academy, has been my pillar, especially through injuries."
Established Pacers Make Strong Comebacks
The auction also marked strong comebacks for experienced fast bowlers from UP. Shivam Mavi was snapped up by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Rs 95 lakh. After battling injuries and missing out as a replacement in IPL 2024, Mavi roared back to form. He emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the UPT20 league 2025 and backed it up with solid displays in the domestic season.
Similarly, Kartik Tyagi found a new home after being roped in for Rs 30 lakh. Tyagi had a successful UPT20 league 2025, finishing as the fifth-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets, which undoubtedly bolstered his auction prospects. Completing the UP contingent, all-rounder Vishal Nishad was picked up by the Punjab Kings.
What This Means for UP Cricket
The successful auction for these five players underscores the deepening talent reservoir in Uttar Pradesh. It serves as a significant motivation for aspiring cricketers in the state, demonstrating that strong performances in domestic tournaments like the UPT20 league can be a direct pathway to the glamour of the IPL. The investments by franchises like LSG in local talent like Naman Tiwari also point towards a strategy of nurturing and integrating homegrown players, which could strengthen fan connect and team identity in the long run.
