R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JULY 3
The stage is set for a spectacular celebration of Tamil Nadu’s biggest cricketing extravaganza as the Shriram Capital Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) enters its landmark 10th edition, with an action-packed player auction laying the foundation for another thrilling season of high-quality T20 cricket.
Addressing the media after the auction, U Bhagwandas Rao, Honorary Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), thanked all stakeholders for their unwavering support over the past decade and expressed confidence that the league would continue to produce the next generation of Indian cricket stars.
- 783 cricketers enter the auction pool as franchises gear up for a landmark 10th edition of the Shriram Capital Tamil Nadu Premier League
- Chepauk Super Gillies, Nellai Royal Kings and Madurai Panthers make headline-grabbing signings, while Kovai Kings and Madurai Panthers unveil new identities
- Dindigul and Chennai to host the silver jubilee-style celebration of Tamil Nadu’s premier T20 league from August 4 to 28
- Women’s exhibition matches at Chepauk add a new chapter to a decade-old league that continues to shape India’s next generation of cricket stars
“We are delighted to conduct the Player Auction for the 10th edition of the Shriram Capital Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). As we celebrate this significant milestone, we thank all our stakeholders, franchise owners, sponsors, players, officials, and the media for their continued support.”
Although conducted as a mini auction, the event generated tremendous excitement, with 783 players registering in pursuit of a coveted place in one of India’s most successful domestic T20 leagues.
The TNCA also announced that two franchises will compete under new identities from this season:
- Kovai Kings
- Madurai Panthers
The auction witnessed several intense bidding battles, with Ashwanth Valthapa emerging as the biggest buy after being snapped up by Chepauk Super Gillies for ₹14.45 lakh.
The final pieces are in place! 🧩#TNPL2026 #TNPL10 #NammaOoruNammaGethu pic.twitter.com/lmiYJj9kIR
— TNPL (@TNPremierLeague) July 3, 2026
The other marquee signings included:
- U. Mukilesh — Nellai Royal Kings for ₹13.70 lakh
- Siddarth Mahadevan — Madurai Panthers for ₹8.70 lakh
The much-awaited 10th edition of the league will be played across two premier venues.
Dindigul will host the opening leg from August 4 to 15, while the tournament will move to M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, for the concluding phase from August 18 to 28.
Expressing gratitude to the league’s long-standing partners, Rao said: “We are grateful to Shriram Capital, our Title Sponsor, and Indian Overseas Bank, our Powered By and DRS Partner, for their continued trust and support over the years. Their commitment has played a significant role in the sustained growth and success of the league.”
One of the major attractions this season will be the staging of two Women’s Exhibition Matches at the iconic M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, underlining TNCA’s commitment to promoting women’s cricket alongside the men’s competition.
The complete tournament schedule, including the women’s fixtures, will be announced shortly.
Reflecting on the league’s remarkable journey, Rao highlighted TNPL’s contribution to Indian cricket.
“Over the past decade, TNPL has established itself as one of India’s premier domestic T20 leagues, providing a platform for talented cricketers to showcase their skills. Many players who have excelled in TNPL have gone on to represent IPL franchises and the Indian national team. We are confident that this season will continue to produce the next generation of cricketing talent.”
The auction proceedings were conducted by former India opener Abhinav Mukund, whose engaging presentation and deep understanding of the game ensured a lively and seamless bidding process.
“The Shriram Capital TNPL 2026 Player Auction was hosted by Abhinav Mukund, former India cricketer and one of Tamil Nadu’s most accomplished batters. With his deep understanding of the game and engaging presentation, Abhinav guided the franchises, officials, and viewers through an exciting auction that set the stage for the landmark 10th edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League.”
Concluding the interaction, Rao acknowledged the crucial role played by the media in the league’s phenomenal rise.
“Finally, I would like to sincerely thank all our friends from the print and electronic media. Your unwavering support and extensive coverage have been instrumental in making TNPL one of the most successful and widely followed domestic cricket leagues in the country. Thank you, and we look forward to an exciting and memorable 10th edition of the Shriram Capital TNPL.”
As the countdown begins, the milestone edition promises not only fierce on-field rivalries but also another opportunity for Tamil Nadu’s brightest cricketing talents to earn national recognition, reinforcing TNPL’s reputation as one of India’s most productive breeding grounds for future IPL and India stars.
