New Delhi: Delhi Capitals star Ashutosh Sharma emerged as the most expensive player in the 2026 Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL) auction. Ashutosh was bought by Malwa Stallions for a whopping Rs 15 lakh.

Meanwhile, Akshat Raghuwanshi, the young middle-order batter, who is all set for an IPL debut after being picked up by Lucknow Super Giants in the 2026 IPL mini-auction, was acquired by Rewa Jaguars for Rs 13.80 lakh. Raghuwanshi’s deal with Rewa made him the second most expensive player in the MPL 2026 auction.

The third-highest bid was for Aniket Verma, who played a sensational knock of 43 off 18 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on the opening day of the IPL 2026, was sold to the Bhopal Leopards for Rs 13.20 lakh.

Mahanaryaman Scindia, Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) president and the Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh League, graced the auction with his presence.

All Grade A players attract bids

As many as 244 players went under the hammer at the MPL 2026 auction held at the Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore.

Each franchise has been granted a purse of Rs 50 lakh to purchase players for the MPL 2026 edition, which will be played in Indore and Gwalior in June 2026.

All 10 players in Group A attracted bids with a base price of Rs 3 lakh.

Ashutosh Sharma  – Malwa Stallions – Rs 15 lakh
Akshat Raghuvanshi – Rewa Jaguars – Rs 13.8 lakh
Avesh Khan – Chambal Gharials  – Rs 8.20 lakh
Shivam Shukla –  Pink Panthers – Rs 6.60 lakh
Shivang Kumar – Bundelkhand Bulls – Rs 13 lakh
Madhav Tiwari – Ujjain Falcons – Rs 10.60 lakh
Saransh Jain – Nimar Eagles – Rs 9.60 lakh
Kuldeep Sen – Bundelkhand Bulls – Rs 7 lakh
Kumar Kartikey Singh – Royal Nimar Eagles – Rs 10.20 lakh
Mangesh Yadav – Gwalior Cheetaz – Rs 12 lakh

Seven teams retained one icon player each ahead of the auction. The most expensive player in the retention list was Venkatesan Iyer, who was retained by the Pink Panthers for Rs 12.5 lakh. RCB captain Rajat Patidar was retained by the Lear Cheetaz for Rs 7 lakh while Arshad Khan was retained by the Bhopal Leopards for Rs 8 lakh.