In middle of IPL 2025, star player from Dhoni's CSK, Shah Rukh Khan's KKR to be part of THIS auction

In the midst of IPL 2025, star players from MS Dhoni’s CSK and Shah Rukh Khan’s KKR are set to feature in the high-stakes T20 Mumbai League auction — here's who’s going under the hammer.

Young Talents Set to Shine in T20 Mumbai League Auction — Image credit: X

Young Talents Set to Shine in T20 Mumbai League Auction

The spotlight will be on young sensations like Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Tanush Kotian as the T20 Mumbai League gears up for its third season. A total of 280 players will go under the hammer in the auction scheduled for Wednesday, ahead of the tournament taking place at Wankhede Stadium from May 26 to June 8. Among the key names, 17-year-old Mhatre has generated immense buzz with his standout IPL 2025 performances.

Domestic Stalwarts Add Strength to the Auction Pool — Image credit: X

Domestic Stalwarts Add Strength to the Auction Pool

The player pool isn’t just about youth — experienced domestic stars like Siddhesh Lad and Shams Mulani are also in the mix. Known for their consistent performances in Indian domestic cricket, their presence brings a strong blend of reliability and game experience to the upcoming league.

Auction to Be Fierce and Tactical — Image credit: X

Auction to Be Fierce and Tactical

With only eight teams vying for top talent, the auction is expected to be a battleground of strategy and sharp decision-making. Franchises will need to make calculated bids to balance their squads with youth, experience, and future potential.

MCA Sees the League as a Platform for Future Icons — Image credit: X

MCA Sees the League as a Platform for Future Icons

Mumbai Cricket Association secretary Abhay Hadap emphasized the depth of cricketing talent on offer. “This player pool is a testament to the strength of Mumbai cricket. It's a great mix of emerging and established players, offering teams solid choices to build competitive line-ups,” he remarked.

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Image credit: X

Star Icon Players Already Locked In

Each franchise has already secured one icon player to boost their team identity. Big names such as Suryakumar Yadav (Triumph Knights), Ajinkya Rahane (Bandra Blasters), Shreyas Iyer (SoBo Falcons), and Prithvi Shaw (North Mumbai Panthers) are set to play crucial leadership roles. Others include Shivam Dube, Shardul Thakur, Sarfaraz Khan, and Tushar Deshpande.

Player Pool Categorized for Strategic Selection — Image credit: X

Player Pool Categorized for Strategic Selection

The auction features a three-tier classification: Senior Players (those with First-Class, List A, or T20 experience), Emerging Players (those who’ve represented Mumbai at U-19 or U-23 in the last 3 years), and Development Players (local or club-level talent). Their base prices are ₹5 lakh, ₹3 lakh, and ₹2 lakh respectively.

Auction Rules Aim to Promote Youth and Balance — Image credit: X

Auction Rules Aim to Promote Youth and Balance

Each franchise must build a squad of at least 18 players, including four seniors, five emerging talents, and five development players. Icon players are signed at a fixed ₹20 lakh. Teams have a budget cap of ₹1 crore but are required to spend at least ₹80 lakh. Notably, every team must also pick two players born on or after September 1, 2005, and ensure at least one features in every match.