Agni Chopra, the son of renowned Bollywood director and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra, has been signed by MI New York as their top draft pick for $50,000 in the MLC domestic players draft. The 26-year-old opening batsman gained attention in India with an impressive first-class record, scoring four centuries in four games during the 2023-24 Ranji season. He continued his outstanding form for Mizoram in the 2024-25 season, amassing 1,804 runs at an incredible average of 94.94. Chopra qualifies as a domestic player due to his U.S. citizenship, having been born in Detroit, Michigan. His shift to U.S. Cricket comes after the BCCI’s decision to bar foreign passport holders from playing in Ranji Trophy.
Draft’s redemption story belongs to Jasdeep Singh, a 32-year-old USA fast bowler, who became top pick after being signed by Seattle Orcas for $75,000. Singh’s journey came full circle after being a supplementary draft pick for MI New York in 2023, going undrafted in 2024, and then making a strong comeback as a replacement player for Washington Freedom, earning two consecutive Player of the Match awards.
Texas Super Kings invested heavily in fast-bowling all-rounder Shubham Ranjane (75,000), known for his power−hitting and seam bowling. They also rewarded young left−armseamer Stephen Wiig (75,000), known for his power−hitting and seam bowling. They also rewarded young left−arm seamer Stephen Wiig (15,000) for his consistent performances in Minor League Cricket. Seattle Orcas, starting with a nearly clean slate, chose experienced 35-year-old Sujit Nayak (40,000) as their top pick, alongside current USA players Steven Taylor (40,000) as their top pick, alongside current USA players Steven Taylor (25,000) and Shayan Jahangir ($20,000).
MI New York Re-Signs Tajinder Singh Dhillon and Sharad Lumba for T20 Campaign
MI New York has signed more players, including Tajinder Singh Dhillon (50,000) and Sharad Lumba (50,000) and Sharad Lumba (15,000). Both players will join the MI team again after playing for Mumbai Indians in 2018. The team also trusted Kunwarjit Singh ($20,000) for his strong batting skills as an opener. The left-handed player has become well-known in American T20 tournaments after moving from India.
Promising wicketkeeper-batter Rahul Jariwala and young leg-spinner Adam Khan were among those awarded rookie contracts. Surprisingly, former Sri Lanka international Shehan Jayasuriya and former West Indies opener John Campbell went undrafted despite their strong credentials.
