Over 1,300 Cricketers to Go Under the Hammer as Telangana’s Premier Franchise League Takes Shape
Our Correspondent
Hyderabad: The countdown to Telangana’s biggest cricketing spectacle gathered momentum with the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) announcing that the inaugural TG20 Player Auction will be held on June 7 at the Princess Convention Centre, Ramoji Film City.
The auction marks a significant milestone in the launch of TG20, Telangana’s first franchise-based T20 cricket league, which is scheduled to begin on June 21 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal.
More than 1,300 HCA-registered cricketers are expected to go under the hammer as eight franchise teams assemble their squads for the maiden edition of the tournament, which will feature 32 matches over a 21-day period.
Leading the auction pool are Telangana’s international stars Mohammed Siraj and Tilak Varma, both expected to spark intense bidding among franchise owners. Also available for selection are several accomplished domestic cricketers, including Rohit Rayudu, Rahul Buddhi, CV Milind and Tanmay Agarwal.
The player list also reflects TG20’s emphasis on nurturing emerging talent. India U-19 cricketer Aaron George and several members of Telangana’s recent Vinoo Mankad Trophy-winning squad are among the young prospects set to attract attention during the auction.
The eight franchises participating in the inaugural edition are Hyderabad e-Champions, Pranava Ranga Reddy Risers, Warangal Warriors, Medak Falcons, Anurag Nalgonda Knights, Karimnagar Diamonds, Palamuru Strikers and Anvita Khammam Aces.
According to the auction framework, the process will commence with the Icon Category before progressing through the A+, A, B, C1 and C2 categories. Each franchise can build a squad of up to 20 players.
In a move aimed at strengthening cricket across Telangana, every franchise must include a minimum of four district cricketers in its squad, while at least two district players must be part of the playing XI. Teams will also have the opportunity to recruit promising U-19 cricketers and players identified through TG20’s extensive open-trial programme.
Each franchise has been allotted a purse of ₹60 lakh and must spend a minimum of ₹54 lakh, ensuring a competitive and engaging auction process.
Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu, who heads HCA’s Cricket Operations Committee, along with his team, has played a key role in shaping the player pool. The committee conducted extensive open trials across the state, generating significant participation from aspiring cricketers from both Hyderabad and district centres.
The auction proceedings will be conducted by noted sports presenter and auctioneer Charu Sharma, whose experience in several professional sports leagues is expected to add further excitement to the event.
Cricket enthusiasts across Telangana and beyond will be able to follow the auction live on JioHotstar as the franchises take shape ahead of the tournament.
Speaking ahead of the auction, V. Agam Rao, Chairman of the TG20 Governing Council, said the league had been conceived as a platform to provide professional opportunities to Telangana’s cricketing talent.
“TG20 is much more than a cricket tournament. It is a platform created to identify, nurture and showcase Telangana’s cricketing talent on a professional stage. The player auction represents the beginning of that journey, where dreams meet opportunity. We are confident TG20 will emerge as a landmark sporting property for Telangana and a strong pathway for aspiring cricketers from every corner of the state,” he said.
The inaugural TG20 season will commence on June 21, with all matches scheduled to be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, setting the stage for what organisers hope will become a flagship cricketing event in Telangana.
