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ISPL Auction 2025: 408 Players, New Rules & Big Changes

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ISPL Auction: 408 players to go under the hammer - everything you need to know

ISPL Auction 2025: The Street Cricket Revolution Gets Bigger

The buzz around the ISPL Auction is reaching a fever pitch! Season 3 of the Indian Street Premier League is poised to be its most ambitious yet, and the player auction on December 9th in Mumbai will be the pivotal moment that sets the stage for a thrilling tournament. Forget everything you thought you knew about cricket auctions—this one comes with a 50% bigger budget, larger squads, and a wild new feature called ‘Googly Power’ that promises to keep everyone on the edge of their seats .

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What is the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL)?

For the uninitiated, the Indian Street Premier League is a unique T10 tennis ball cricket league that has captured the imagination of millions across India. Founded in 2024, it provides a massive platform for grassroots talent from every corner of the country. Its mission is simple: to find the best street cricketers and give them a professional stage to shine. With a staggering 4.4 million entries from trials held across 101 cities, the competition to be part of this league is fiercer than ever .

ISPL Auction 2025: Key Details at a Glance

The ISPL Auction is the main event where all eight celebrity-owned franchises will build their dream teams for the upcoming season. Here’s everything you need to know:

  • Date: December 9, 2025
  • Venue: Mumbai, India
  • Players Up for Grabs: 408 players have been shortlisted from the nationwide trials .
  • Tournament Dates: The main event will run from January 9 to February 6, 2026, at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat .

Major Changes for ISPL Season 3

Season 3 isn’t just a repeat; it’s a significant upgrade on the previous editions. The league’s organizers have listened to feedback and are pushing the boundaries to create a more competitive and entertaining spectacle.

1. A Bigger Team Purse

The most impactful change is the 50% increase in the team purse. Franchises now have a massive Rs 1.5 crore to spend, up from Rs 1 crore in the previous season . This gives team owners much more flexibility to build a balanced and powerful squad without being overly constrained by finances.

2. Expanded Squad Size

Teams can now field a larger squad of 18 players, an increase from the previous 16 . This expansion isn’t just for show; it also comes with a mandate to include at least two Under-19 players in each squad, a brilliant move to inject fresh, young talent into the competition and ensure the league’s long-term health .

What is the ‘Googly Power’ Rule?

This is where the ISPL Auction gets its signature twist! The league has introduced a brand-new mechanic called the ‘Googly Power.’ Think of it as a strategic wildcard. During the auction, any franchise can use this power to instantly jump the current bid by a fixed amount of Rs 1 lakh .

This rule is designed to add a layer of high-stakes drama and tactical depth. Imagine a bidding war for a promising all-rounder—just as another team thinks they’ve secured the player, a rival franchise activates their Googly Power, suddenly escalating the price and forcing everyone to rethink their strategy. It’s a rule that could completely change the dynamics of the auction floor .

Understanding the ISPL Retention Rules

Alongside the Googly Power, franchises also have retention cards to hold onto their core players. While the exact ISPL rules are specific to the league, they appear to be inspired by other major T20 leagues. Teams are reportedly equipped with 2 RTM (Right-to-Match) cards . This allows them to match the highest bid for a player they had in their previous squad, ensuring they have a fighting chance to keep their key performers. This system helps maintain some team identity while still allowing for the excitement of a fresh auction.

For context on how retention works in elite leagues, you can learn more about the IPL’s retention policies on a trusted source like ESPNCricinfo.

How to Watch the ISPL Auction Live

The auction is a major event in its own right. While official broadcast details are still emerging, it’s highly likely the event will be streamed live on the league’s official social media channels and its broadcast partner. Keep an eye on their official handles for the latest updates on how you can witness the team-building drama unfold in real-time.

Final Thoughts on the Upcoming ISPL Season

The ISPL Auction on December 9th is more than just a player selection event; it’s a celebration of India’s vast and untapped cricketing talent. With a bigger budget, larger squads featuring young stars, and the unpredictable Googly Power in play, this auction promises to be the most strategic and entertaining one yet. As the league heads to Surat for its main event in January, the teams built on this day in Mumbai will determine who lifts the coveted trophy and who might drive away in a Porsche 911 as the MVP . The stage is set for a street cricket revolution!

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