Expanded ISPL 3 Raises the Bar with Record-Breaking Mega Auction

The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 3 Mega Auction set a new benchmark for the fast-growing tennis-ball T10 league, with nearly ₹10 crore spent on 144 players in an action-packed event in Mumbai. With eight franchises bidding aggressively—including two new teams—the auction witnessed unprecedented excitement and showcased the league’s rising stature across India. Headlining the event was all-rounder Vijay Pawle, who made history by securing a record-breaking ₹32.50 lakh deal with Majhi Mumbai through the Right to Match (RTM) card.

This year's auction was the league’s biggest yet, driven by expanded participation and ISPL’s growing impact on grassroots cricket. A total of 408 players from 101 cities went under the hammer, reflecting the league’s widening reach and influence. The entry of new franchises—Ahmedabad Lions and Delhi Superheros—added competitive depth and intensified bidding wars. The tournament is scheduled to be held from January 9 to February 6, 2026, at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat, marking ISPL’s most ambitious edition to date.

The high-profile auction drew tremendous star power, with ISPL Core Committee members such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ashish Shelar, Minal Amol Kale, Suraj Samat, and Dipak Chauhan in attendance. Several celebrity team owners, including Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan, and Ajay Devgn, also took part in the spectacle. The event opened with the unveiling of “Street Star,” a futuristic humanoid designed to elevate fan engagement and redefine the ISPL viewing experience.

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Young talent played a significant role in shaping the auction narrative, with the U-19 category witnessing spirited competition between franchises. Ankit Yadav emerged as the most expensive junior pick at ₹6.50 lakh, signed by Tiigers of Kolkata. In a symbolic moment for the league, 16-year-old Rudra Patil became the youngest player of Season 3 after being selected by Srinagar Ke Veer at his base price of ₹3 lakh. These signings highlight ISPL’s mission to nurture emerging cricketing talent.

ISPL Core Committee members applauded the league’s rapid growth and the life-changing opportunities it creates. Sachin Tendulkar encouraged players to focus on self-improvement and passion, while Ashish Shelar emphasized the platform’s role in empowering young athletes nationwide. League Commissioner Suraj Samat noted that the strategic use of RTM cards, Googly Power, and retention mechanisms made this the most competitive auction to date. The squads, he said, are stronger and more balanced than ever before.

With teams like Majhi Mumbai, Bengaluru Strikers, Chennai Singams, and Falcon Risers Hyderabad investing heavily in both batting and all-rounder options, Season 3 promises a thrilling display of skill and entertainment. The stakes are higher than ever, especially with the newly announced Season 3 MVP prize—a Porsche 911—one of the most valuable individual awards in Indian sports. As ISPL continues expanding, Season 3 stands poised to deliver unmatched excitement and take street cricket to unprecedented heights.

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