Is the Auction for Maharani Trophy KSCA T20 a Game-Changer for Women’s League in Karnataka?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Historic auction for the first-ever women's cricket league in Karnataka.
- Intense bidding for top players, highlighting growing interest in women's sports.
- Five franchises built competitive squads with a budget of ₹10 lakh each.
- Notable players like Niki Prasad emerged as top picks in the auction.
- The tournament promises to showcase elite cricket talent in the region.
Bengaluru, July 29 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking moment for women’s cricket in Karnataka, the auction for the first-ever Maharani Trophy KSCA T20 took place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Tuesday.
The five franchises - Bengaluru Blasters, Hubli Tigers, Mangaluru Dragons, Mysore Warriors, and Shivamogga Lioness - engaged in a fierce bidding competition to form robust teams for this inaugural tournament, set to kick off on August 4 at the Alur Grounds. The grand finale will be held on August 10 at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
With a budget of ₹10 lakh each, every franchise successfully assembled a strong 16-member team. The most sought-after player of the day was Niki Prasad from Bengaluru Blasters, who fetched ₹3.70 lakh, followed by Shubha Satheesh, acquired by Mysore Warriors for ₹3.10 lakh, and Mithila Vinod, signed by Shivamogga Lioness for ₹3.00 lakh.
Bengaluru Blasters built their team around the marquee signing of Niki Prasad for ₹3.70 lakh, and added depth with Aditi Rajesh (₹1.50 lakh) and Kandikuppa Kashvi (₹1.55 lakh), while also securing Chandasi Krishnamurthy (₹70,000) and Pushpa Kiresur (₹40,000).
Hubli Tigers invested ₹1.50 lakh in BG Tejashwini and followed up with the acquisition of experienced player Bhavika Reddy for ₹1.10 lakh. They also added stalwarts Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Shreya Chavan, and Krishika Reddy for ₹1.00 lakh each.
Mangaluru Dragons made a notable start by securing Liyanka Shetty for ₹2.25 lakh, alongside impactful signings such as Prathyoosha Kumar (₹1.80 lakh) and Inchara CU (₹1.55 lakh). Karnika Karthick (₹1.25 lakh) and Saloni P (₹85,000) rounded out their squad's balance.
Mysore Warriors distinguished themselves with the acquisition of Shubha Satheesh for ₹3.10 lakh, one of the day's top purchases. They further reinforced their lineup with Prakruthi NG (₹1.20 lakh) and Pooja Kumari M (₹1.05 lakh), while adding promising talents like Sahana S Pawar (₹1.00 lakh) and Rachitha Hatwar (₹85,000).
Shivamogga Lioness fiercely competed for the marquee pick of Mithila Vinod for ₹3.00 lakh. They enhanced their squad with Lavanya Chalana (₹1.45 lakh), Roshini Kiran (₹1.30 lakh), and Soumya Verma (₹1.05 lakh), while Srinithi P Rai concluded their top signings at ₹80,000.
With prominent signings and competitive balance among the teams, the stage is now primed for the Maharani Trophy KSCA T20 to offer an exhilarating debut season, showcasing the finest women’s cricket talent in Karnataka.