Seven Himachal Cricketers Eye Big Break as IPL Auction Nears
Seven promising players from the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) are set to chase their IPL dreams this year, with their names officially listed for the 2026 IPL players’ auction scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi.
All seven — Mayank Dagar, Arpit Guleria, Pukhraj Mann, Divesh Sharma, Rajat Verma, Aryaman Singh Dhaliwal and Mridul Saroch — have registered with a base price of ₹30 lakh, marking a major moment for Himachal cricket.
Among them, Mayank Dagar stands out as the most seasoned face. Having debuted for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2023, he grabbed headlines in 2024 when Royal Challengers Bangalore traded Shahbaz Ahmed to acquire him for ₹1.8 crore. With stints at Punjab Kings as well, Dagar enters the auction as one of HPCA’s most experienced all‑rounders.
Another familiar name is Arpit Guleria, the right‑arm pacer from Kangra district. He previously joined Lucknow Super Giants as a mid‑season replacement in 2023 after Mayank Yadav’s injury. His consistent domestic performances have earned him another shot at the big league.
For the remaining five players — Pukhraj Mann, Divesh Sharma, Rajat Verma, Aryaman Singh Dhaliwal and Mridul Saroch — this auction could be life‑changing. All have risen through HPCA’s domestic system and now stand on the brink of potentially securing their first IPL contracts.
HPCA Director Sanjay Sharma said the inclusion of seven players from the state highlights Himachal’s growing presence in Indian cricket — a result of better infrastructure, stronger competition, and focused player development programmes.
The stage is set, and for these seven players, December 16 could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
