Who Were the Top Buys at the T20 Mumbai League 2025 Auction?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Atharva Ankolekar emerged as the most expensive player at INR 16.25 lakh.
- Teams spent a total of INR 7.79 crores during the auction.
- The tournament is set for May 26 to June 8 at the Wankhede Stadium.
- Focus on blending young talent with experienced players.
- Key icon players include Suryakumar Yadav and Ajinkya Rahane.
Mumbai, May 7 (NationPress) In a thrilling display of competition during the T20 Mumbai League 2025 auction held in Mumbai on Wednesday, all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar emerged as the highest-priced player, netting a staggering INR 16.25 lakh to join the Eagle Thane Strikers. The event saw eight teams investing a total of INR 7.79 crores to form formidable squads of 18 players each.
As one of India's premier franchise-based domestic T20 tournaments, the T20 Mumbai League is gearing up for its much-anticipated third season, which will take place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium from May 26 to June 8.
Approximately 280 athletes were auctioned, with teams strategically crafting balanced rosters that blend emerging talents with seasoned professionals.
The focus was prominently on all-rounders, with Ankolekar stealing the show, following his crucial role in Mumbai's triumph during the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final in 2024. Other notable all-rounders included Musheer Khan, who was signed by ARCS Andheri for INR 15 lakh, and Sairaj Patil, who also fetched INR 15 lakh with Eagle Thane Strikers.
Promising talents from IPL 2025, Ayush Mhatre and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, were acquired by Triumph Knights Mumbai North East and SoBo Mumbai Falcons for INR 14.75 lakh and INR 14 lakh respectively. Akash Parkar stood out in the ‘Development Players’ category, securing a remarkable INR 11.25 lakh, significantly surpassing his base price of 2 lakh.
Ajinkya Naik, President of MCA, expressed enthusiasm over the growing recognition of emerging players, stating, “This league continues to serve as a platform to identify and promote promising cricketing talent.”
India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, also attended the auction, emphasizing the league’s significance as a launchpad for young cricketers. “Such a league is a substantial boost for all cricketers across categories,” he remarked.
Post-auction, Ankolekar conveyed his excitement about joining Eagle Thane Strikers, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him and eagerness to contribute to the team’s success alongside players like Shardul Thakur.
The league boasts a roster of renowned icon players including Suryakumar Yadav, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Shivam Dube, Shardul Thakur, Sarfaraz Khan, and Tushar Deshpande.
Top purchases included:
Atharva Ankolekar (16.25 lakh) - Eagle Thane Strikers, Musheer Khan (15 lakh) - ARCS Andheri, Sairaj Patil (15 lakh) - Eagle Thane Strikers, Ayush Mhatre (14.75 lakh) - Triumph Knights Mumbai North East, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (14 lakh) - SoBo Mumbai Falcons, Shams Mulani (14 lakh) - Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs.
Complete squads include a mix of experience and youthful energy, promising an electrifying season ahead.