The Indian Street Premier League is entering its 3rd season next year, and ahead of that, the auction takes place in December.
ISPL announced that its Season 3 player auction will take place on December
9 in Mumbai, ramping up excitement for the upcoming edition. A total of 408 players representing 101 cities will be up for bidding as all eight franchises gear up to assemble their squads for what promises to be a bigger, bolder season. The Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat will host Season 3, scheduled from January 9 to February 6, 2026.
After stringent trials, 400 players have been shortlisted, including 30 promising under-19 talents. Each of the eight teams will also select one scout pick from the registered Season 3 pool to join the auction, bringing the total pool to 408.
ISPL Season 3 Auction Details
Players will be categorized into six groups: U-19, West Zone, East Zone, Central Zone, South Zone, and North Zone, each starting with a base price of ₹3 lakh.
The prize purse has been raised from ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore, while squad sizes have expanded from 16 to 18 players. Adding a strategic twist, franchises can now utilize the "Googly Power" - a unique veto feature enabling a sudden bid increment of ₹1 lakh during intense bidding clashes.
Additionally, the six teams from last season will have two RTM (Right to Match) cards each, allowing them to match the highest bids for their Season 2 players and retain them.
There is no cap on bids for any player. Each franchise must draft at least two players from every zone, including those retained from previous seasons. Squads must have a minimum of two U-19 players, with at least one U-19 player and one from each zone included in the playing XI for every match. Furthermore, all 18 squad members are required to participate in at least one game throughout Season 3.
Sachin Tendulkar, ISPL Core Committee Member, said: "Season 3 of the ISPL is another important step for grassroots cricket in India. Each year, we see new faces and strong talent coming through from different parts of the country. This auction is a key moment for players because it gives them a fair platform to be noticed. I am keen to see how these youngsters approach the challenge and make the most of the opportunity in front of them. "
Suraj Samat, ISPL Core Committee Member and League Commissioner, said: "This year's auction has been designed to reflect the highest professional standards, in line with the league's growing stature. From the structured bidding order to the introduction of the 'Googly Power,' every element has been created to ensure transparency, fairness and strategic depth. "
ISPL Auction 2026 - At a Glance
Base Price: ₹3 lakh
Purse Increased: ₹1 crore → ₹1.5 crore
Squad Size Expanded: 16 → 18 players
New Mechanic - Googly Power: Sudden ₹1 lakh bid jump during auctions
2 RTM Cards allow teams to reacquire players from their Season 2 squads by matching bids
