Eight franchise teams compete in the inaugural Telangana T20 League 2026 (officially Sreenidhi University TG20), Telangana’s first-ever franchise-based T20 cricket league organized by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).
The tournament runs from June 21 to July 12, 2026, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad. Consequently, this article covers every team in the TG20 League, including their franchise owners, acquisition bids, star signings, and squad composition.
All 8 Teams in the Telangana T20 League 2026
The TG20 franchise auction took place on May 23, 2026, where reputed corporate groups successfully acquired all eight teams. Consequently, here is the complete list of teams ranked by their franchise bid amounts.
| # | Team Name | City | Franchise Owner | Franchise Bid (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyderabad E-Champions | Hyderabad | Ushodaya Enterprises Pvt Ltd | Rs 7,50,01,000 |
| 2 | Pranava Ranga Reddy Risers | Ranga Reddy | Boorugu Infra / Pranava | Rs 7,20,00,000 |
| 3 | Warangal Warriors | Warangal | Bain Global Resources Pvt Ltd | Rs 6,55,00,000 |
| 4 | Medak Falcons | Medak | Bhrunda Infra Pvt Ltd | Rs 6,33,33,369 |
| 5 | Anurag Nalgonda Knights | Nalgonda | Kishore Infrastructures Pvt Ltd | Rs 5,06,00,000 |
| 6 | EIPL & Eleve Karimnagar Diamonds | Karimnagar | EIPL Group & Tibarumal | Rs 4,57,00,000 |
| 7 | Palamuru Strikers | Mahbubnagar | Veebadra Steels Pvt Ltd | Rs 4,50,00,000 |
| 8 | Anvita Khammam Aces | Khammam | Anvita Group | Rs 4,44,44,444 |
Notably, the combined franchise value across all eight teams highlights the commercial appeal of the league. The Hyderabad E-Champions fetched the highest bid at Rs 7.5 crore, while the Anvita Khammam Aces secured the most creatively priced bid at Rs 4,44,44,444.
Team-by-Team Breakdown: Owners, Key Players and Squad Highlights
Each team entered the TG20 player auction on June 7, 2026, with a purse of Rs 60 lakh and a mandate to build squads of up to 20 players. Furthermore, every franchise must include at least four district cricketers, with a minimum of two in the playing XI. Here is a detailed look at all eight squads.
1. Hyderabad E-Champions
Owner: Ushodaya Enterprises Pvt Ltd (part of the Ramoji Group / Eenadu Group) | Franchise Bid: Rs 7,50,01,000 (highest in the auction)
The Hyderabad E-Champions carry the weight of representing the state capital. As expected, the Ramoji Group, one of India’s largest media conglomerates, made calculated moves at the auction.
Specifically, their headline signings were Abhirath Reddy (Rs 11 lakh) and Ajay Dev Goud (Rs 11 lakh), both acquired in the A+ category. Abhirath Reddy brings a strong T20 batting record with 435 runs from 12 matches at an average of 36.25.
Additionally, Ajay Dev Goud is a former India U-19 right-arm medium pacer with 24 wickets from 14 T20 matches. Pranav Varma (Rs 8.5 lakh), who has List A experience, rounds out their top picks.
Other notable squad members: Sai Vikas Reddy, Anvit Reddy, Ganesh Gadugu, Yashveer Goud, Sriniketh, Akhil Rathod.
2. Pranava Ranga Reddy Risers
Owner: Boorugu Infra / Pranava | Franchise Bid: Rs 7,20,00,000
The Ranga Reddy Risers are the second-most expensive franchise in the league. Accordingly, their auction strategy focused on securing a well-rounded squad with experienced all-rounders.
As a result, their Icon category pick was all-rounder Tanay Thyagarajan (Rs 11 lakh), who brings depth with both bat and ball. Nitin Sai Yadav (Rs 9 lakh) and George Varghese (Rs 7.5 lakh) add further firepower to the middle order.
Other notable squad members: Avanish (Rs 7 lakh), Binjrajka, Prakash, Punnaiah, Hitesh Yadav, Alankrit, Aditya.
3. Warangal Warriors
Owner: Bain Global Resources Pvt Ltd | Franchise Bid: Rs 6,55,00,000
In contrast, if there is one team that screams box-office appeal, it is the Warangal Warriors. They signed India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj for Rs 14 lakh in the Icon category, making him one of the marquee names in the entire tournament.
Siraj’s presence gives Warangal a genuine pace spearhead. Moreover, Aman Rao Perala (Rs 12 lakh, A+ category) strengthens their batting lineup, while Bhavesh Seth (Rs 5 lakh) and Rishiketh (Rs 4.75 lakh) add balance.
Other notable squad members: Harshit, Mohammed Abdul, Mudassar, Abhishek, Anirudh, Shaunak.
4. Medak Falcons
Owner: Bhrunda Infra Pvt Ltd | Franchise Bid: Rs 6,33,33,369
The Medak Falcons made the biggest splash at the player auction by signing India’s T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma for Rs 33 lakh, the highest price paid for any player in the TG20 auction. In fact, that single signing consumed more than half their Rs 60 lakh purse.
Besides Tilak, they picked T. Ravi Teja (Rs 12 lakh) in the Icon category. However, the franchise filled the rest of their squad with lower-bracket picks. Despite this, having Tilak Varma is like having a cheat code in a domestic T20 league.
Other notable squad members: Vikram Nayak, Shashanth, Suryateja, Noman, Jaidev, Hari Om, Nayani Anish.
5. Anurag Nalgonda Knights
Owner: Kishore Infrastructures Pvt Ltd | Franchise Bid: Rs 5,06,00,000
The Anurag Nalgonda Knights built their squad around experienced domestic performer Rahul Buddhi, their Icon category pick. Buddhi brings reliable middle-order batting and is a known quantity in Hyderabad’s domestic cricket circles.
In addition, they secured Rakshann Readdi as another key signing in the A+ category. Instead of going all-in on one star, their approach spreads the purse across multiple solid performers.
Key signings: Rahul Buddhi (Icon), Rakshann Readdi (A+), plus emerging district-level talent across lower categories.
6. EIPL & Eleve Karimnagar Diamonds
Owner: EIPL Group & Tibarumal | Franchise Bid: Rs 4,57,00,000
The Karimnagar Diamonds will lean heavily on the experience of Tanmay Agarwal, their Icon category pick. Agarwal is a well-known domestic batsman from Hyderabad who once held the record for the fastest triple century in first-class cricket.
They also brought in Chandan Sahani (Rs 9.5 lakh) in the A category, adding bowling depth to their lineup. Importantly, Karimnagar represents one of the key cricketing regions outside Hyderabad, and this franchise carries that regional pride.
Key signings: Tanmay Agarwal (Icon), Chandan Sahani (A category).
7. Palamuru Strikers
Owner: Veebadra Steels Pvt Ltd | Franchise Bid: Rs 4,50,00,000
The Palamuru Strikers from Mahbubnagar assembled arguably the most experienced squad in the league. They have the honour of playing the very first match of the TG20, taking on Anvita Khammam Aces on June 21, 2026.
Specifically, their Icon picks include Ravi Kiran (Rs 13 lakh) and Rohit Rayudu, the well-known domestic batsman. Additionally, Pragnay Reddy (Rs 11 lakh) joins in the A+ category, giving them solid wicketkeeping options.
Key signings: Ravi Kiran (Rs 13L), Rohit Rayudu (Icon), Pragnay Reddy (Rs 11L, A+).
8. Anvita Khammam Aces
Owner: Anvita Group | Franchise Bid: Rs 4,44,44,444
The Anvita Khammam Aces may have paid the lowest franchise fee, but they made one of the smartest auction moves. They signed uncapped all-rounder CV Milind for Rs 17 lakh, the most expensive uncapped player in the entire TG20 auction
They also roped in Hima Teja and Mickil Jaiswal to complete their core group. Consequently, Milind’s proven domestic record makes Khammam a team that rivals will not want to underestimate.
Most Expensive Players in the TG20 2026 Auction
The TG20 player auction took place on June 7, 2026, at the Princess Convention Centre, Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad. Conducted by veteran sports presenter Charu Sharma, the auction saw 160 cricketers purchased from a pool of over 1,300 HCA-registered players. Here are the highest-paid players.
| Player | Team | Category | Auction Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tilak Varma | Medak Falcons | Icon | Rs 33 Lakh |
| CV Milind | Anvita Khammam Aces | Icon | Rs 17 Lakh |
| Mohammed Siraj | Warangal Warriors | Icon | Rs 14 Lakh |
| Ravi Kiran | Palamuru Strikers | Icon | Rs 13 Lakh |
| T. Ravi Teja | Medak Falcons | Icon | Rs 12 Lakh |
| Aman Rao Perala | Warangal Warriors | A+ | Rs 12 Lakh |
| Abhirath Reddy | Hyderabad E-Champions | A | Rs 11 Lakh |
| Ajay Dev Goud | Hyderabad E-Champions | A+ | Rs 11 Lakh |
| Tanay Thyagarajan | Pranava Ranga Reddy Risers | Icon | Rs 11 Lakh |
| Pragnay Reddy | Palamuru Strikers | A+ | Rs 11 Lakh |
| Arfaz Ahmed | TBD | A | Rs 11 Lakh |
| Chandan Sahani | Karimnagar Diamonds | A | Rs 9.5 Lakh |
| Nitin Sai Yadav | Pranava Ranga Reddy Risers | A+ | Rs 9 Lakh |
Squad Rules and Team Composition in TG20 2026
The TG20 League introduced several squad-building rules to ensure competitive balance and grassroots representation. As a result, these rules set the league apart from other franchise T20 tournaments in India.
- Purse per franchise: Rs 60 lakh, with a mandatory minimum spend of Rs 54 lakh.
- Squad size: Up to 20 players per team.
- District player mandate: Every squad must include a minimum of four district-level cricketers. Moreover, at least two district players must feature in the playing XI for each match.
- Player categories: The auction featured six player categories: Icon, A+, A, B, C1, and C2. This tiered system allowed franchises to build balanced squads with a mix of proven performers and upcoming talent.
- Total players auctioned: Franchises collectively purchased 160 players across all eight teams from a pool of over 1,300 HCA-registered cricketers .
Importantly, the district player rule ensures that the TG20 is not just an exhibition for established Hyderabad-based cricketers. Instead, it creates a genuine pathway for talent from smaller towns and districts across Telangana.
TG20 Franchise Auction: How the Teams Were Acquired
Before anyone even bid on players, the HCA auctioned the eight TG20 team franchises were auctioned on May 23, 2026. auction attracted interest from reputed corporate groups across Telangana.
In total, the combined franchise value across all eight teams came to approximately Rs 46.15 crore. Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy emerged as the two most sought-after territories, while Khammam’s creative bid of Rs 4,44,44,444 certainly turned heads.
| Team | Franchise Owner | Bid Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad E-Champions | Ushodaya Enterprises Pvt Ltd | Rs 7,50,01,000 (Highest) |
| Pranava Ranga Reddy Risers | Boorugu Infra / Pranava | Rs 7,20,00,000 |
| Warangal Warriors | Bain Global Resources Pvt Ltd | Rs 6,55,00,000 |
| Medak Falcons | Bhrunda Infra Pvt Ltd | Rs 6,33,33,369 |
| Anurag Nalgonda Knights | Kishore Infrastructures Pvt Ltd | Rs 5,06,00,000 |
| EIPL & Eleve Karimnagar Diamonds | EIPL Group & Tibarumal | Rs 4,57,00,000 |
| Palamuru Strikers | Veebadra Steels Pvt Ltd | Rs 4,50,00,000 |
| Anvita Khammam Aces | Anvita Group | Rs 4,44,44,444 (Lowest) |
As HCA President Amarnath noted, TG20 aims to create structured opportunities for emerging players and strengthen grassroots cricket across the state. The franchise model ensures long-term commercial sustainability for the league.
The tournament opener on June 21 will feature Palamuru Strikers vs Anvita Khammam Aces at 7:15 PM IST. One of the most anticipated league-stage matches is Warangal Warriors vs Medak Falcons on June 22, which pits Mohammed Siraj against Tilak Varma.
Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu played a key role in the league’s preparation by conducting extensive open trials across Telangana. Additionally, Prasanna Kannan, the former TNPL CEO, now leads the TG20’s league execution.
Suggested Reads:
Final Thoughts: Telangana T20 League 2026 Features 8 Teams
The Telangana T20 League 2026 features eight well-funded franchise teams representing regions across the state, from Hyderabad’s media-house-backed E-Champions to the Anvita-powered Khammam Aces.
With India internationals like Tilak Varma and Mohammed Siraj headlining the rosters, the inaugural TG20 promises competitive cricket from day one.
The tournament kicks off on June 21, 2026, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, with all matches broadcast live on Star Sports Telugu and JioHotstar.
