New Delhi, 21 February (HS): Agni Chopra, son of celebrated Bollywood director Vidhu Vinod Chopra, was selected by MI New York as their No. 1 pick in the Major League Cricket (MLC) domestic players draft.The opener was included in the team at a price of $ 50,000.
The 26-year old opening batter shot to fame in India with a first class record of 4 centuries in his 4 games in the 2023-24 Ranji season. He continued his stellar run for Mizoram in the 2024-25 season which saw him collectively score 1804 runs at a Bradmanesque average of 94.94.
Chopra qualified as a domestic player by virtue of his USA citizenship acquired by his birth in Detroit, Michigan. According to Cricbuzz, that his decision to turn towards the USA comes in the wake of BCCI's implementing the policy of not allowing foreign passport holders from playing Ranji Trophy.
However, the most expensive player in the draft was 32-year-old American fast bowler Jasdeep Singh, who was signed by Seattle Orcas for $75,000. This draft proved to be a big turning point for Jasdeep, as he was included in the supplementary draft of MI New York in 2023 and was selected as a replacement player for Washington Freedom in 2024. He played two matches last season and was the player of the match in both.
Texas Super Kings also made a big move by buying fast bowling all-rounder Shubham Ranjane for $75,000. Ranjane got a high bid in the draft on the basis of his power hitting and seam bowling after being released by Seattle Orcas. Super Kings also signed young left-arm fast bowler Stephen Wigg for $15,000.
Seattle Orcas added 35-year-old veteran batsman Sujit Naik to their squad for $40,000. Naik has previously been a part of Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils. The team also showed faith in current American players Steven Taylor ($25,000) and Shayan Jahangir ($20,000).
Los Angeles Knight Riders, San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom entered the draft with huge retentions. The Knight Riders added left-arm spinner Kartik Gattepally ($15,000) to their squad, while the Freedom picked left-arm fast bowler Abhishek Paradkar ($10,000).
Bay Area's young wicketkeeper-batsman Rahul Jariwala, who made his debut for USA in 2022 at the age of 18, was signed by Seattle Orcas on a rookie contract. Young leg-spinners Adam Khan and Achilles Brown were signed by Super Kings and Unicorns respectively.
Former Sri Lankan international batsman Shehan Jayasuriya did not find any buyer in the draft. Similarly, former West Indies opener John Campbell also remained unsold, although he will be eligible to play for USA in June.
MI New York added Agni Chopra as well as Tajinder Singh Dhillon ($50,000) and Sharad Lumba ($15,000) to their squad. Both these players have been part of Mumbai Indians in 2018. Apart from this, the franchise also roped in Kunwarjit Singh ($20,000), who is known for his explosive batting.
The MLC 2025 draft brought new opportunities for young and experienced players, with talents like Jasdeep Singh, Agni Chopra and Shubham Ranjane making headlines.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
