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| Maharaj T20 League Auction |
In a thrilling build-up to Karnataka’s biggest domestic cricket event, the Maharaja T20 League 2025 auction saw high-stakes bidding and a few surprising outcomes. Held ahead of the tournament’s kickoff on August 11 at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the auction delivered excitement, drama, and new hope for fans of local talent.
Devdutt Padikkal Steals the Show
Karnataka’s very own Devdutt Padikkal, a crowd favorite and former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener, became the costliest buy of the day, snatched up by the Hubli Tigers for a massive ₹13.20 lakhs. With his explosive batting and local fan base, the Tigers are clearly eyeing a power-packed top order this season.
Big Names, Big Bucks
Right behind Padikkal were two seasoned campaigners:
- Abhinav Manohar, known for his striking performances with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, was sold for ₹12.20 lakhs.
- Manish Pandey, a veteran of the Indian domestic circuit and a key player for KKR in the past, also fetched ₹12.20 lakhs.
Their inclusion adds solid experience and firepower to the upcoming season, making their teams instant title contenders.
Samit Dravid Goes Unsold
In what came as a surprise to many, Samit Dravid, the son of legendary Indian cricketer and former Team India head coach Rahul Dravid, went unsold in the auction. Despite the lineage and early glimpses of talent, franchises seemed to have opted for proven performers this season.
Tournament Begins August 11
The Maharaja T20 League 2025 will kick off on August 11 in Bengaluru. Featuring six competitive teams, the tournament is expected to showcase not just Karnataka’s brightest talents but also several national-level players. With a mix of youth and experience, and the backing of passionate fans, this season promises high-octane cricket action.
