Tilak Varma Becomes Costliest Player in Inaugural TG20 Auction for Rs 33 Lakh

Indian T20 vice-captain Thakur Tilak Varma became the most expensive player in the inaugural TG20 league players auction in Hyderabad on Sunday.

Varma was sold to the Medak Falcons for Rs 33 lakh, which accounted for 55 percent of the franchise's total purse of Rs 60 lakh. Entering the auction in the Icon Player's category with a base price of Rs 5 lakh, the left-handed batsman sparked an intense bidding war between the Medak Falcons and the Palamuru Strikers. His final price represented a 560 percent increase over his starting price.

Varma, who represents the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a retention salary of Rs 8 crore, may have limited availability for the tournament. He is scheduled to lead the India A team in a Tri-nation one-day series in Dambulla from June 9 to June 21, and will also join the Indian national team for its T20 series tours of Ireland and England starting June 26.

In addition to Varma, the Medak Falcons acquired another icon player, T Ravi Teja, for Rs 12 lakh. This brought the franchise's total expenditure on just two players to Rs 45 lakh out of their Rs 60 lakh total purse.

Left-arm fast bowler CV Milind emerged as the second-most expensive player in the auction. The former Hyderabad Ranji Trophy captain was purchased by the Anvita Khammam Aces for Rs 17 lakh.

Milind's price surpassed that of Indian international cricketer Mohammed Siraj, who was sold for Rs 14 lakh. Siraj's lower price was attributed to his name being the last called in the Icon Player's category.

Expressing his excitement, Milind stated that he did not expect to be sold for such a price but was highly pleased that the league is being organized on a large scale. He added that the squad looks balanced and he is excited to work with familiar support staff.

Meanwhile, former Hyderabad Ranji Trophy cricketer M Ravi Kiran secured the fourth-highest bid of the auction, going to the Palamuru Strikers for Rs 13 lakh.