TIL Desk Agra:
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) witnessed an action-packed UP T20 League Season 4 Mini Auction as franchises spent heavily to strengthen their squads. Held at the Taj Convention Centre in Agra, the auction saw bids placed on more than 250 players, with several emerging talents attracting impressive offers.
Former India and IPL star Karn Sharma turned out to be the most expensive player of the auction. Starting with a base price of ₹5 lakh, the Meerut spinner was signed by Kanpur Superstars for ₹23 lakh.
The second-highest bid went to Shubham Gautam, a fast bowler from Bulandshahr. Having entered the auction with a base price of just ₹2.50 lakh, Gautam was picked up by Noida Kings for ₹21.50 lakh. A product of UPCA’s Speed Hunt programme, the young pacer emerged as one of the biggest attractions of the auction. Meanwhile, Meerut batter Shivam Chaudhary was bought by Gaur Gorakhpur Lions for ₹21 lakh.
Franchises also made significant investments in Mohammad Sharim and Shiva Singh, who were acquired for ₹17.50 lakh each. Sharim joined Kashi Rudras, while Shiva Singh was signed by Noida Kings.
The auction was conducted by renowned auctioneer Angad Bedi in the presence of BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla. Praising the league, Shukla said the UP T20 League has become an important platform for nurturing young cricketers and helping them progress to the next level. He added that the impact of the league’s first three editions is now clearly visible.
UP T20 League Governing Council Chairman Dr Sanjay Kapoor said the league has always been more than just a cricket tournament. Its primary objective is to create opportunities for talented cricketers across Uttar Pradesh and provide them with a platform to fulfil their dreams.
Among other notable signings, Lucknow Falcons bought Sameer Chaudhary for ₹11.75 lakh, while Noida Kings signed Shoaib Siddiqui for ₹11.25 lakh. Kanpur Superstars acquired Yashovardhan Singh and Priyanshu Pandey for ₹6.60 lakh each. Kashi Rudras signed Vijay Yadav for ₹5.20 lakh, while several other players, including Anchit Yadav, Karan Chaudhary, Kunal Yadav and Vaibhav Chaudhary, were picked up at their respective base prices.
The auction was attended by UPCA Secretary Prem Manohar Gupta, Treasurer Sachin Anand Shukla, Governing Council member Sanjeev Kumar Singh, UPCA Media Chairman Mohammad Faheem, Agra District Cricket Association President Sunil Joshan, Vice-President Rajesh Sehgal and other senior officials.
