MPL-2018 players’ auction held: 12 teams ready to battle it out for glory

Mangaluru, Feb 18: The countdown has begun for the fourth edition of the Mangalore Premiere League as all the 12 franchise owners gave shape to their teams in the players’ auction held at Forum Fiza Mall in Mangaluru on Saturday.

The IPL-model  T20 cricket tournament is being jointly organized by the  Brand Vision Events, Mangalore Occasional and Sea Bird Cricket Academy  with the approval and guidance of Karnataka State Cricket Association from March 20 to April 1, 2018 at Dr B R Ambedkar Cricket Stadium, Panambur, Mangaluru.

Dikshanshu Negi (coastaldigest.com) Bharath Kota (AK Sports Udupi), Karthik (United Ullala), Lal Sachin (Team Elegent), and Abhilash (Karkala Gladiators) were sold out for maximum prize of Rs 50000 from A category. Mangalore United bagged IPL player Suchith for Rs 35000.  Pawan KB was sold to Maestro Titan for Rs 48000.

Star players from the state category list such as Mohammded Taha, Akhil B, Abrar Kazi, Kunain Abbas, Abhinav, David, Pawan K.B., Kranthikumar, Devadatt, Dube, Ravikumar, Stalin Hoover, Rohan Kadam, More, Raju Bhatkal, Sharath, Prathwiraj, Vishwanath, Vaishak, Nidhish and Shashishkhar adorned the front seats in the different teams.

The following players were sold out for maximum prize Rs.20000.00 from B category: Sadiq (Mangalore United), Shreesha (T4 Super King), Rahul (AK Sports, Udupi), Sathyaswaroop (United Ullala), Ibrahim Athrady (Maestro Titan), Kashinath (Classic Bantwala), Nasrulla (Ali Warriors).

Mr. Harsha Bhat, Samarsh and Appanna were the three players sold out from C category  for the maximum fixed prize of Rs.10000.  Remaining players were sold out for base prize from this category.

As per the provision given the team owners have nominated the following players as icon players prior to the auction process: Adithya Somanna (coastaldigest.com), Nischith Rao (United Ullala), Bharath Duri (Bedra), Akshaya Ballal (Mangalore United) Nehal Ullal (T4), Rahul Kotian (Vice), Rithesh  Bhatkal (Ali Warriers), K C Cariappa (AK Sports), Nithin Mulki (Gladiators) Nehal D’Souza (Maestro Titan), Manoj M (Elegant), Arif Mukka (Classic).

Manohar Amin, Mangaluru zonal convener of Karnataka State Cricket Association inaugurated the auction process. Mr. Yashpal Suvarna, Tushar, Deepthi, Ali Ashpak Tara, Kushal Kumar, Chirag, Mubin, U T Ifthikar, Marshal Noronha were present as chief guests.

MPL chairman Sirajuddin welcomed the gathering. Convener Imthiaz conducted the auction process. Safthar Shirva, Balakrishna Parkala and Shashidar Kodikal were the judges. Shivnarayan Aithal compered the programme.

The 12 teams have been divided into two pools:

A Pool: Bedra Bulls, Karkala Gladiators, Team Elegant, Ali Warriors, Wise Warriors, coastaldigest.com

B Pool: Maestro titans, AK Sports, T4  Super Kings, United Ullal, Bantwal Classic, Manglore United.