TG20 Cricket League Set for Grand Auction Debut as Mohammed Siraj, Tilak Varma Enter Player Pool
More than 1,300 cricketers to go under the hammer as Telangana's first franchise-based T20 league prepares for launch
The player pool will be led by India internationals Mohammed Siraj and Tilak Varma, two of Telangana's most prominent cricketers. Established domestic players including Rohit Rayudu, Rahul Buddhi, CV Milind and Tanmay Agarwal are also expected to attract significant bidding interest from franchise owners.
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has announced that the player auction for the inaugural edition of TG20, Telangana’s first franchise-based T20 cricket league, will be held on June 7 at Princess Convention Centre, Ramoji Film City.
The auction marks a major milestone in the rollout of the league, which is scheduled to begin on June 21 and will feature eight franchise teams competing in 32 matches over a 21-day period. More than 1,300 HCA-registered cricketers are expected to participate in the auction as franchises assemble their squads for the maiden season.
The player pool will be led by India internationals Mohammed Siraj and Tilak Varma, two of Telangana’s most prominent cricketers. Established domestic players including Rohit Rayudu, Rahul Buddhi, CV Milind and Tanmay Agarwal are also expected to attract significant bidding interest from franchise owners.
The auction will also showcase emerging talent from across the state, including India U-19 player Aaron George and members of Telangana’s recent Vinoo Mankad Trophy-winning team, reflecting the league’s focus on creating opportunities for young cricketers.
The eight franchises participating in the inaugural season are Hyderabad e-Champions, Pranava Ranga Reddy Risers, Warangal Warriors, Medak Falcons, Anurag Nalgonda Knights, Karimnagar Diamonds, Palamuru Strikers and Anvita Khammam Aces.
The auction process will begin with the Icon Category and proceed through the A+, A, B, C1 and C2 categories. Each franchise will be allowed to build a squad of up to 20 players. To promote cricket development beyond Hyderabad, teams will be required to include at least four district cricketers in their squads, with a minimum of two district players featuring in the playing XI.
Franchises will enter the auction with a purse of ₹60 lakh and a mandatory minimum spend of ₹54 lakh, setting the stage for competitive bidding and strategic squad-building.
Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu, who chairs HCA’s Cricket Operations Committee, has played a key role in the league’s talent identification process through extensive open trials conducted across the state. According to HCA, the trials generated strong participation from aspiring cricketers from both urban and district regions.
The auction proceedings will be conducted by noted sports presenter and auctioneer Charu Sharma and will be streamed live on JioHotstar, allowing cricket fans to follow the formation of the inaugural TG20 teams.
V. Agam Rao, Chairman of the TG20 Governing Council, said the league aims to provide a professional platform for 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 will meet opportunity,” he said.
The inaugural TG20 season is scheduled to commence on June 21 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal, with all matches to be played at the venue.
