The Madhya Pradesh League has emerged as a platform for players to transition into future IPL stars. In the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League, three young cricketers—Madhav Tiwari, Aniket Verma, and Shivam Shukla—who initially gained recognition in the Madhya Pradesh League, have secured a position in the IPL due to their outstanding performances in the State League.
India’s cricketing ecosystem is a rich and diverse landscape where dreams take root in local grounds and blossom on the grand stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL). One such fertile ground nurturing talent is the Madhya Pradesh Cricket League (MPCL), a regional league that is fast becoming a launchpad for young cricketers with aspirations of national and international glory.
The Madhya Pradesh League has emerged as a significant platform for players aspiring to become future IPL stars. In the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League, three young cricketers who initially caught the spotlight in the Madhya Pradesh League—Madhav Tiwari, Aniket Verma, and Shivam Shukla—have secured a place in the IPL due to their impressive performances in the State League.
Aniket Verma has distinguished himself as one of the most notable young talents in IPL 2025, earning a position in the Sunrisers Hyderabad playing XI after delivering a remarkable 123-run innings off just 41 balls in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL) while playing for Bhopal Leopards.
Acquired at his base price of Rs 30 lakh, the aggressive right-handed batsman has participated in all 12 matches for SRH this season, accumulating 198 runs at a strike rate of 155.91, with a highest score of 74. Renowned for his dynamic batting and powerful hitting, as demonstrated by his 16 sixes, Verma has not only excelled with the bat but has also made contributions in the field with 5 catches, positioning him as a strong candidate for the emerging player of the season award.
Regarding Madhav Tiwari, a formidable medium-pacer and a valuable lower-order batsman, he was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 40 lakhs during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. Although he did not play in the starting XI for the majority of the season, he was called up as a replacement for Vipraj Nigam during the final phase of the league.
Madhav caught the attention of the Delhi Capitals scouts with his all-around performance in the Madhya Pradesh League while representing Bhopal Leopards. The 21-year-old has previously excelled in age-group cricket for Madhya Pradesh.
From Madhya Pradesh, Shivam Shukla was recently signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Rovman Powell late in the tournament. Despite KKR’s elimination from playoff contention, this decision reflects a strong belief in Shivam’s potential.
Shivam Shukla captivated audiences with his performances in Madhya Pradesh, and his cunning spin bowling earned him the title of ‘mystery spinner’ within domestic circles. He also secured the purple cap in MPL 2024 while playing for the Rewa Jaguars.
With the Madhya Pradesh League 2025 now featuring seven men’s teams and introducing its inaugural women’s competition, the league continues to develop as a leading platform for emerging talent. Scheduled to commence on June 12 in Gwalior, the Madhya Pradesh League is set to be another thrilling chapter in the state’s cricketing evolution.
Organised by the Gwalior Division Cricket Association (GDCA) under the auspices of the MP Cricket Association, the jersey unveiling ceremony is slated to occur in Gwalior on May 27.
Men’s teams include: Gwalior Cheetahs, Bhopal Leopards, Jabalpur Royal Lions, Rewa Jaguars, Indore Pink Panthers, Chambal Ghariyals, and Bundelkhand Bulls.
A Dream Within Reach
The journey from the dusty fields of Madhya Pradesh to the floodlit stadiums of the IPL is no longer a distant dream—it’s a reality within reach for many. The MPCL, with its growing reputation and structural development, is proving to be a powerful stepping stone for the stars of tomorrow.
As more young players rise from this heartland with bat, ball, and boundless ambition, the message is clear: the next IPL superstar might just be training right now in a quiet corner of Madhya Pradesh.