MUMBAI: Once the heartbeat of neighborhood streets and childhood dreams, gully cricket has shattered its humble origins to rise as a blockbuster spectacle. Remember the friendly squabbles over who bats first, whose ball to use, or even whose rules to follow? Fast forward, and that same spirit of street cricket now boasts celebrity-backed glamour, roaring stadium crowds, and jaw-dropping auctions reaching nearly Rs 6 crore.
The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) season 2 auction proved nothing short of electrifying. With six teams fiercely bidding for the best talents, over Rs 5.54 crore exchanged hands in a dramatic evening of high-stakes action. The world’s most relatable form of cricket now shares a stage once reserved for titans like the IPL, turning makeshift pitches into million-dollar dreams.
Mark your calendars, as this thrilling saga unfolds on 26 January 2025, at Mumbai’s iconic Dadoji Kondadev Stadium, promising an epic showdown until 15 February. Street cricket is no longer a game; it’s a revolution.
The auction saw 350 players, shortlisted from trials in 55 cities, go under the hammer, with 96 players securing spots across the six teams. Among the standout moments was Abhishek Kumar Dalhor becoming the most expensive buy at Rs 20.50 lakh, acquired by Majhi Mumbai, owned by Amitabh Bachchan. Another highlight was the selection of 15-year-old Sharik Yasir, the youngest player in the auction, who joined Srinagar Ke Veer, owned by Akshay Kumar, for Rs 3 lakh.
ISPL, a T10 tennis-ball cricket tournament, debuted earlier this year and has quickly gained recognition for providing a professional platform for street cricket talent. This season introduced new rules, including the right-to-match (RTM) feature and icon player slots, allowing teams to retain fan favourites and bring in marquee players.
Notable icon player acquisitions included:
1 Abhishek Kumar Dalhor (Rs 20.50 lakh) - Majhi Mumbai
2 Saroj Paramanik (Rs 16.25 lakh) - KVN Bangalore Strikers
3 Krishna Satpute (Rs 8.50 lakh) - Falcon Risers Hyderabad
4 Dilip Binjwa (Rs 6 lakh) - Srinagar Ke Veer
The league’s inaugural season garnered significant fan interest, with ISPL players becoming household names. Sachin Tendulkar, a core committee member, praised the league’s efforts, "ISPL has created a competitive platform for talented players to showcase their skills. The enthusiasm and performances from season 1 were remarkable, and we are thrilled to expand to more cities this season."
League Commissioner, Suraj Samat announced plans for trials in 101 cities for ISPL’s third season, reflecting the league’s commitment to unearthing talent from every corner of the country.
He added, "The introduction of the RTM rule and strong team squads ensure this season will be even more exciting for fans. ISPL’s growth is a testament to the love for cricket in India."
ISPL season 2 will air on Star Sports Network and stream on JioCinema, promising fans thrilling matches and unmatched entertainment.
