ISPL Season 3 Player Auction: Key Retentions and Exciting New Features Announced
Exciting Developments Ahead of ISPL Season 3
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 7: The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), renowned for being India's first tennis-ball T10 tournament, has revealed its retained players ahead of the eagerly awaited Season 3 Player Auction set for Tuesday in Mumbai. 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, as teams aim to build robust squads.
This season marks the introduction of a player retention system, allowing franchises to secure one standout performer before the auction. This strategic addition enhances the competitive nature of the upcoming bidding process.
Abhishek Dalhor shone in the last season, making significant contributions during critical 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 tense situations.
Other notable retentions 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 consistent performances have solidified their importance in their teams' strategies for the upcoming season.
The ISPL is supported by a dedicated leadership team, including Core Committee Members Sachin Tendulkar, Ashish Shelar, Minal Amol Kale, and Suraj Samat, whose vision has been pivotal in the league's growth and popularity.
Suraj Samat, ISPL Core Committee Member and League Commissioner, stated, “The introduction of player retention is a significant milestone for ISPL. These strategic choices will enhance competitive balance and excitement for the Season 3 auction. With increased team budgets, new franchises entering, and 408 players from 101 cities in the mix, teams are poised to create formidable line-ups that will elevate the sport.”
Dipak Chauhan, President of Operations, added, “The player retention system is crucial for ISPL's development. Our goal is to ensure smooth operations while providing a fair and competitive environment for teams and players. With larger team budgets, improved auction rules, and two new franchises joining, Season 3 is set to be our most thrilling season yet.”
The upcoming Player Auction in Mumbai will feature innovative elements, including the unique “Googly Power” mechanism that allows for sudden Rs 1 lakh bid increases, expanded team budgets from Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore, and increased squad sizes to 18 players. With 408 players from 101 cities categorized across six zones (U-19, West, East, Central, South, North) at a Rs 3 lakh base price, teams must include at least two U-19 players and ensure zonal representation for balanced squads.
The eight-team tournament is scheduled to take place at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat from January 9 to February 6, 2026. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season will receive a brand-new Porsche 911, adding an exciting incentive for players.
This season also welcomes 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).
The list of retained players is as follows:
Majhi Mumbai:
Retained Player: Abhishek Dalhor – Rs 26.65 lakh
Purse Remaining: Rs 1.23 crore
Chennai Singams:
Retained Player: Jagannath Sarkar – Rs 20.02 lakh
Purse Remaining: Rs 1.30 crore
Tiigers of Kolkata:
Retained Player: Bhavesh Pawar – Rs 11.05 lakh
Purse Remaining: Rs 1.39 crore
Falcon Risers Hyderabad:
Retained Player: Mansoor KL – Rs 4.5 lakh
Purse Remaining: Rs 1.46 crore
Delhi Superheros, Ahmedabad Lions, Srinagar Ke Veer, and Bengaluru Strikers have a purse size of Rs 1.5 crore.