Madhya Pradesh League: A Stepping Stone for Future IPL Stars

The Madhya Pradesh League is becoming a vital platform for young cricketers aiming for the IPL. In 2025, players like Aniket Verma, Madhav Tiwari, and Shivam Shukla have made headlines with their performances, securing spots in the IPL. Verma's explosive batting and Tiwari's all-round skills have caught the attention of major franchises. As the league expands to include women's teams, it promises to be a significant chapter in the state's cricketing evolution. Read on to learn more about these rising stars and the upcoming league season.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2025, 01:58 IST

Emerging Talents from Madhya Pradesh League

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 24: The Madhya Pradesh League is proving to be a significant platform for aspiring cricketers aiming for the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the upcoming 2025 IPL season, three promising players—Madhav Tiwari, Aniket Verma, and Shivam Shukla—have secured their spots in the league thanks to their impressive performances in the State League.

Aniket Verma has emerged as a key player in IPL 2025, making his mark with a stunning 123 runs off just 41 balls while playing for Bhopal Leopards in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL). This performance earned him a place in the Sunrisers Hyderabad's playing XI.

Selected at a base price of INR 30 lakh, the explosive right-handed batsman has participated in all 12 matches for SRH this season, accumulating 198 runs at an impressive strike rate of 155.91, with a highest score of 74.

Verma's aggressive batting style is highlighted by his 16 sixes, and he has also made contributions in the field with five catches, positioning him as a strong candidate for the emerging player of the season award.

Meanwhile, Madhav Tiwari, a formidable medium-pacer and useful lower-order batsman, was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 40 lakhs during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. Although he spent most of the season on the bench, he was called up as a replacement for Vipraj Nigam in the latter stages of the league.

Tiwari caught the attention of Delhi Capitals scouts with his all-round capabilities showcased in the Madhya Pradesh League while playing for Bhopal Leopards. The 21-year-old has a history of excelling in age-group cricket for Madhya Pradesh.

Shivam Shukla, also from Madhya Pradesh, was recently signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Rovman Powell late in the tournament. Although KKR has been eliminated from playoff contention, this move reflects the franchise's confidence in Shukla's abilities.

Shukla gained recognition for his performances in the Madhya Pradesh League, where his crafty spin bowling earned him the nickname 'mystery spinner' in local cricket circles. He also clinched the purple cap in MPL 2024 while playing for Rewa Jaguars.

The Madhya Pradesh League 2025 is set to expand, featuring seven men's teams and introducing its inaugural women's competition, marking its evolution as a premier hub for emerging cricket talent. The league is scheduled to commence on June 12 in Gwalior, promising an exciting new chapter in the state's cricketing journey.

The Gwalior Division Cricket Association (GDCA), under the auspices of the MP Cricket Association, will host the jersey unveiling ceremony on May 27.

Men's teams include: Gwalior Cheetahs, Bhopal Leopards, Jabalpur Royal Lions, Rewa Jaguars, Indore Pink Panthers, Chambal Ghariyals, and Bundelkhand Bulls.

Women's teams include: Chambal Ghariyals, Bhopal Wolves, and Bundelkhand Bulls.