The excitement in Kerala cricket is reaching fever pitch as the Kerala Cricket League Season 2 auction gears up .The much-anticipated auction will take place on Saturday, July 5, at the Hyatt Regency in Thiruvananthapuram, with the action commencing from 10 a.m. IST. Six franchises will battle it out for top domestic and national cricketing talent, promising a day filled with high drama and strategic bidding.
Sanju Samson Adds Star Power to the Auction Pool
In a major boost for the league, India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson headlines a pool of nearly 170 players up for grabs. Samson’s entry has created a buzz, ensuring that the auction will be keenly watched by cricket fans not just in Kerala, but across the country.
Bigger Budgets, Strategic Moves
Reflecting the growing stature of the league, each franchise now has a ₹50 lakh purse—an increase from last season’s ₹40 lakh. This expanded budget gives teams greater flexibility to chase both marquee names and promising youngsters. Franchises can retain up to four players from last season, and also have one Right-to-Match (RTM) card to bring back a previously released player during the auction.
Kerala Cricket League Auction: Player Categories and Base Prices Revealed
Players have been slotted into three price categories for the auction:
- Category A: ₹3 lakh
- Category B: ₹2 lakh
- Category C: ₹75,000
Kerala Cricket League Auction: Teams Reveal Retained Players for Season 2
With the auction around the corner, franchises have unveiled their core retentions:
- Aries Kollam Sailors: Sachin Baby, N. M. Sharafuddeen (Category A), Abhishek J. Nair (Category B), Biju Narayanan (Category C)
- Alleppey Ripples: Mohammed Azharuddeen, Akshay Chandran, Vignesh Puthur (Category A), Akshay TK (Category B)
- Calicut Globstars: Rohan Kunnummal, Salman Nizar, Akhil Scaria (Category A), Anfal P. M. (Category C)
- Trivandrum Royals: Govind Dev D. Pai (Category B), Subin S. (Category C), Vinil T. S. (Category C)
Meanwhile, Kochi Blue Tigers and Thrissur Titans have opted for a complete squad overhaul, releasing all previously contracted players and signaling a fresh start for the new season.
New Coaching Faces: Legends at the Helm
The dugouts too have seen changes, with some legendary cricketers stepping into coaching roles. Former Kerala captain Sony Cheruvathur will mentor Alleppey Ripples, while ex-Ranji captain Raiphy Vincent Gomez takes charge of the Kochi Blue Tigers, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the competition.
Season Dates and Venues Announced
KCL Season 2 will be held from 21 August to 7 September 2025, with most matches scheduled under floodlights at the iconic Greenfield International Stadium in Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram. Select double-header fixtures may also be hosted at other KCA-approved venues across Kerala, subject to logistical clearances.
Where to Watch: Live Telecast and Streaming Details
Cricket fans can catch the KCL 2025 Auction live on Star Sports 3, with digital streaming available on FanCode. The league matches will be telecast on both Star Sports 3 and Asianet Plus, while FanCode holds exclusive streaming rights. For those on the go, Red FM 93.5 will provide radio coverage throughout the tournament.
High Stakes, High Expectations in Auction
With bigger budgets, the presence of superstar Sanju Samson, and a mix of veterans and newcomers, the KCL Season 2 auction promises excitement. Defending champions Aries Kollam Sailors are sticking with a proven core, while others are making bold moves. For players, franchises, and fans, Kerala’s T20 league is set for a thrilling new season.
