ISPL Season 3: Key Players Retained Ahead of Exciting Auction

Introduction to ISPL Season 3

The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), renowned as India's first tennis-ball T10 tournament, has revealed its retained player list. Notable players include Abhishek Dalhor from Majhi Mumbai, retained for Rs 26.65 lakh, and Jagannath Sarkar from Chennai Singams, retained for Rs 20.02 lakh. This announcement comes as franchises prepare for the eagerly awaited Season 3 Player Auction, set to take place in Mumbai on Tuesday.

New Player Retention System

For the first time, ISPL has implemented a player retention system, enabling each franchise to secure one standout player before the auction. This strategic addition enhances the competitive nature of Season 3, making the upcoming auction more impactful.

Highlighted Retained Players

Abhishek Dalhor was a key player in the last season, making significant contributions during crucial moments. His talent has been acknowledged at the IPL level, as he has been selected as a net bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, showcasing ISPL's role in nurturing talent.

Jagannath Sarkar proved to be a reliable top-order batsman for Chennai Singams, consistently leading his team in high-pressure situations. Other notable retained players include Bhavesh Pawar from Tiigers of Kolkata, retained for Rs 11.05 lakh, and Mansoor KL from Falcon Risers Hyderabad, retained for Rs 4.5 lakh. Their retention reflects the franchises' trust in their abilities as pivotal players for the upcoming season.

Insights from ISPL Officials

The ISPL is supported by a robust leadership team, including Core Committee Members Sachin Tendulkar, Ashish Shelar, Minal Amol Kale, and Suraj Samat, whose vision has been crucial to the league's growth and popularity.

Suraj Samat, the League Commissioner, stated, "The introduction of player retention is a significant milestone for ISPL. It enhances competitive balance and builds anticipation for the Season 3 auction. With increased team budgets, new franchises, and 408 players from 101 cities, teams are poised to create formidable line-ups that will elevate the sport."

Dipak Chauhan, President of Operations, added, "Our goal is to ensure smooth operations while providing a fair and competitive environment for teams and players. With enhanced auction rules and two new franchises, Season 3 is set to be our most thrilling season yet."

Innovations for Season 3 Auction

The upcoming Season 3 Player Auction in Mumbai will feature innovative elements, including the "Googly Power" mechanism, which allows for sudden Rs 1 lakh bid increases. Team budgets have expanded from Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore, and squad sizes have increased to 18 players. With 408 players from 101 cities categorized into six zones and a base price of Rs 3 lakh, teams must include at least two U-19 players and ensure zonal representation for balanced squads.

Tournament Schedule and Rewards

The eight-team tournament is set to occur at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat from January 9 to February 6, 2026. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will receive a brand-new Porsche 911, adding an exciting incentive for players.

Franchise Overview

This season marks the introduction of two new franchises: Delhi Superheros, led by Salman Khan, and Ahmedabad Lions, owned by Ajay Devgn. They join a prestigious lineup that includes Majhi Mumbai (Amitabh Bachchan), Tiigers of Kolkata (Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan), Srinagar Ke Veer (Akshay Kumar), Chennai Singams (Suriya), Bengaluru Strikers (Hrithik Roshan), and Falcon Risers Hyderabad (Ram Charan).

Retained Players Summary