The T20 Mumbai League 2025 auction took place on May 7, 2025, in Mumbai, and it was nothing short of spectacular. All-rounder Atharva Ankolekar emerged as the most expensive player, securing a deal with the Eagle Thane Strikers for an impressive ₹16.25 lakh. The excitement surrounding the auction was palpable as eight franchises vied for the best talent, ultimately spending a combined ₹7.79 crore to assemble competitive 18-member squads. The tournament is set to unfold at the iconic Wankhede Stadium from May 26 to June 8, 2025.
In total, over 280 players were auctioned, showcasing a mix of emerging talent and seasoned professionals. A notable trend emerged favoring all-rounders, as Musheer Khan from ARCS Andheri and Sairaj Patil from Eagle Thane Strikers both commanded ₹15 lakh deals. Other significant signings included Ayush Mhatre, who was picked up by Triumph Knights Mumbai North East for ₹14.75 lakh, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who joined SoBo Mumbai Falcons for ₹14 lakh. Left-arm spinner Shams Mulani also matched Raghuvanshi’s price tag at ₹14 lakh, rounding off the marquee signings.
Among the development players, Akash Parkar stood out, drawing a significant ₹11.25 lakh bid from SoBo Mumbai Falcons—over five times his base price of ₹2 lakh. This auction highlighted the Mumbai Cricket Association's commitment to nurturing local talent and providing a platform for young cricketers to shine.
Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) President Ajinkya Naik expressed his satisfaction with the auction results, emphasizing the blend of youth and experience within the teams. “It’s truly encouraging to see emerging players gain recognition. The strategic approach of the teams reflects their commitment to building strong squads and supporting the league’s vision,” Naik stated.
The auction also attracted the attention of India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, who attended as the Icon Player for Triumph Knights. He shared his thoughts on the league's impact on player development, saying, “T20 Mumbai League has always been a stepping stone. You saw what it did for Shivam Dube in 2018. It’s a big boost for state-level cricketers.”
Ankolekar, the auction's biggest name, expressed his excitement about joining the Strikers. “It’s a big moment. I’m thankful to the team and MCA for this platform. I look forward to learning from seniors like Shardul Thakur and giving my best in my debut season,” he said.
The league continues its tradition of featuring prominent Mumbai-based cricketers as Icon Players, including Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Shardul Thakur, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, and Shivam Dube alongside Yadav.
As the anticipation builds for the third season of the T20 Mumbai League, fans can expect thrilling matches filled with high-octane action. The league not only showcases the best of Mumbai's cricketing talent but also serves as a crucial platform for players looking to make their mark in the world of cricket.
Top Buys at T20 Mumbai League 2025 Auction:
- 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)
With the league's commencement approaching, fans are eager to see how these new signings will perform and contribute to their respective teams. The T20 Mumbai League promises to be a showcase of emerging talent and seasoned players, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
