Visakhapatnam, July 2025: The cricketing spotlight in Andhra Pradesh shone bright this week as the Andhra Premier League (APL) Season 4 Auction took center stage in Visakhapatnam. With over 520 players in the pool, fresh franchises, and record-breaking bids, the auction turned out to be a high-voltage event that has set the tone for an exciting cricket season ahead.
Mega Bids & Star Retentions
Nine players with IPL or international experience were placed in a special marquee category, and eight of them were successfully retained by their respective franchises. The buzz of the day? Ricky Bhui who emerged as the highest-retained player, earning a solid ₹10.26 lakhs.
However, it was P. Avinash who stole the auction spotlight as the most expensive buy of the day, with a franchise spending ₹11.5 lakhs to secure his services.
Big Names, Smart Buys
Franchises didn’t shy away from investing in seasoned and young talent alike. Notable players like Hanuma Vihari, Ashwin Hebbar, Shaik Rasheed, K.S. Bharat, and Nitish Kumar found new homes, bringing excitement to their respective squads.
Among key franchise moves:
- Tungabhadra Warriors roped in C.H. Stephen and K.V. Sasikanth.
- Simhadri Vizag Lions successfully bid for Ricky Bhui, adding strength to their batting lineup.
- Players like P.V. Satyanarayana Raju and T. Vijay also secured contracts and are expected to be impact players in the upcoming season.
New Teams, New Energy
Season 4 marks a historic moment with the expansion to seven franchises, each representing a unique region and fanbase:
- Royals of Rayalaseema
- Bhimavaram Bulls
- Simhadri Vizag Lions
- Tungabhadra Warriors
- Vijayawada Sunshiners
- Kakinada Kings
- Amaravati Royals
Each team had a budget of ₹45 lakhs, allowed to build a squad of up to 20 players, making strategy and balance key components during the auction.
Season Dates & Venue
The much-anticipated APL Season 4 will kick off on August 8, 2025, and run through August 23, 2025. All matches will be hosted at the iconic Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, promising world-class cricketing action in a vibrant coastal setting.
What to Expect from APL 2025?
With a strong mix of local talent, domestic stars, and new franchises, the Andhra Premier League is set for its biggest and most competitive season yet. As the cricket fever builds, fans can look forward to fresh rivalries, nail-biting finishes, and new heroes emerging on the field.
Whether you’re from Rayalaseema or Kakinada, Amaravati or Vizag this season, your team has a shot at glory.
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