Written by Shehnaz Shaikh
December 12, 2024
The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 2 Auction witnessed exciting highlights as Abhishek Kumar Dalhor from Ludhiana emerged as the costliest player, snapped up by last year’s finalists Majhi Mumbai for a whopping ₹20.50 lakh. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Sharik Yasir from Srinagar became the youngest player in the league, acquired by Srinagar Ke Veer for ₹3 lakh.
Auction Highlights
Costliest and Youngest Players
- Abhishek Kumar Dalhor: Bought for ₹20.50 lakh by Majhi Mumbai.
- Sharik Yasir: At just 15, the youngest pick of the season was signed for ₹3 lakh by Srinagar Ke Veer.
Teams and Expenditures
- Number of Players Bought: 96 players from a pool of 350.
- Total Spent: ₹5.54 crore.
- Teams Participating: Six teams, each forming 16-member squads.
- Player Retention: No players were retained, but teams could exercise the Right-To-Match option.
Big Buys and Icon Players
| Player | City | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Kumar Dalhor | Ludhiana | ₹20.50 lakh | Majhi Mumbai |
| Vijay Jaysing | Pune | ₹13.75 lakh | Majhi Mumbai |
| Krishna Satpute | Mumbai | ₹8.50 lakh | Falcon Risers Hyderabad |
| Saroj Paramanik | Kolkata | ₹16.25 lakh | KVN Bangalore Strikers |
| Deepak Dogra | Srinagar | ₹6 lakh | Chennai Singam |
| Bhavesh Pawar | Thane | ₹8.50 lakh | Tiigers of Kolkata |
The Tournament
The upcoming Indian Super Premier League (ISPL) 2024 promises to be a spectacle like no other. With a blend of experienced superstars and emerging talent, the tournament is set to redefine cricket entertainment in India.
Format and Schedule
- League Format: The ISPL 2024 will feature 10 teams playing in a round-robin format, followed by playoffs and the grand finale.
- Venues: Matches will be hosted across premier stadiums in India, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kolkata.
- Start Date: The tournament kicks off on March 15, 2024, with the final scheduled for May 28, 2024.
Star Players to Watch
- Dalhor: The most expensive player in ISPL history will be under the spotlight for his all-round abilities.
- Kane Roberts: The overseas dynamo is expected to deliver powerful performances.
- Yasir: The 15-year-old prodigy will attract attention as he takes his first steps on the big stage.
Fan Engagement
The ISPL is ramping up fan engagement this year:
- Virtual Meet-and-Greets: Fans can interact with their favorite players online.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Experience live matches with AR features, enhancing the viewing experience.
- Fantasy Leagues: Build your dream team and compete with other fans globally.
Why This Year Matters
With record-breaking bids and a focus on young talent, ISPL 2024 represents a shift in the league’s strategy to balance star power with long-term investment in cricket’s future. The inclusion of players like Yasir highlights the league’s dedication to fostering new talent, ensuring cricket’s legacy continues.
Get ready to witness cricket at its finest as the ISPL 2024 takes the sport to new heights, uniting fans, players, and franchises in the spirit of competition and camaraderie.
Expert Insights
Sachin Tendulkar, ISPL core committee member, praised the league:
“Tennis-ball cricket is an exciting format, and ISPL has provided a competitive platform for players to showcase their skills. The inaugural season highlighted some special performances, and this year, the league has expanded to more cities to identify emerging talent.”
Pravin Amre, head of the ISPL selection committee, emphasized the importance of handling pressure:
“Whether it’s tennis-ball or season-ball cricket, the ability to perform under pressure is what sets players apart.”
Expansion Plans
The ISPL plans to extend its reach:
- Future Trials: Trials will be conducted in 101 cities for Season 3.
- Franchise Suggestions: Teams, including Tiigers of Kolkata co-owned by actor Saif Ali Khan, have requested the option to retain players in upcoming seasons.
Key Stats and Facts
- Applications for Auction: 30 lakh applications were received, trimmed to 350 through a stringent selection process.
- Cities Represented: Players hailed from 55 cities, showcasing the league’s broad appeal.
FAQs
1. Who was the costliest player in the ISPL Season 2 Auction?
Abhishek Kumar Dalhor from Ludhiana was the costliest player, bought by Majhi Mumbai for ₹20.50 lakh.
2. Who is the youngest player in the ISPL?
Sharik Yasir, a 15-year-old from Srinagar, was signed by Srinagar Ke Veer for ₹3 lakh.
3. When and where will the ISPL Season 2 be held?
The tournament will take place from January 26 to February 15, 2025, at Dadoji Kondadev Stadium in Thane.
4. How many players were auctioned for ISPL Season 2?
Out of 350 players in the pool, 96 were bought by six teams.
Final Thoughts
The ISPL Season 2 Auction showcased a perfect mix of emerging talent and established players, further solidifying the league’s reputation as a premier platform for tennis-ball cricket. With blockbuster signings and ambitious expansion plans, the upcoming season promises unparalleled excitement for cricket enthusiasts.
Stay tuned to Vista Times for more updates on ISPL and other sporting events.