Players' auction for Mangalore Premier League 2016 held

Mangaluru, Oct 7: Promising all-rounder Naveen MG and right-hand opener batsman Mohammed Taha saw fierce bidding among several franchises with Udupi Tigers and Coastaldigest.com picking up the two icon players for Rs 75,000 and Rs 70,000 respectively.

This was the scene at the players' auction for the upcoming Mangaluru Premier League-2016 held at Fiza Forum Mall in the city on Friday evening.

Zeeshan Ali (sold to Suratkal Strikers for Rs 70,000), Sadiq Kirmani (sold to United Ullal for Rs 65,000) and B Akhil (sold to President Sixers Kundapur for Rs 60,000) were some of the other costly players to go under the hammer.

The players were divided into four categories for the auction: Under Icon' category there were 33 KPL players from whom each of the 12 franchises had to pick two players mandatorily. Players from Mangaluru Zone of Karnataka State Cricket Association were divided into A', B' and C' categories.

Karnataka Regional Cricket Academy (KRCA) office bearers Sirajuddin and Imthiyaz led the auction process.

Each franchise was supposed to purchase all the players through auction within the purse of Rs 2.5 lakh. However, apart from the players who went under hammer, the MPL organisers have also given each franchise the right to buy one owner's choice player for any amount.

Stage programme

Prior to the auction, a formal stage programme was held wherein Coastalwood hero Arjun Kapikad was centre of attraction.

Lauding MPL for setting cricket mood in the coastal city, Arjun said the event has transcended boundary with people, especially cricket lovers in Bengaluru often discussing about it.

He also appealed to the gathering to make time to watch his forthcoming movie Barsa' which would hit screens on October 13. A clipping of the film was also screened ahead of the launch of bidding process.

Ismail from RealTech group, Zaheer from Al Muzain group and Mohammed Mansoor were among the guests. Ramakrishna welcomed the gathering while Imthiaz proposed vote of thanks.

The T20 tournament is being organised by the KRCA from December 17 to 31 this year at B R Ambedkar Cricket Stadium, Panambur, in association with RealTech and Mangalore Occasionals and with the approval and guidance of KSCA.

The 12 franchises are: Surathkal Strikers, Coastaldigest.com, United Ullal, Udupi Tigers, Karavali Warriers, President Sixers Kundapur, Kankanadi Knight Riders, Team Elegant Moodabidri, Red Hawks Kudla, Karkala Gladiators, Spark Avengers Bolar and Maestro Titans.

Also Read: List of sold players at MPL-2016 auction