A standout moment came when a humanoid robot was invited onto the stage. Salman greeted it with a handshake and then tapped its head in jest, prompting laughter from the audience.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, the actor was asked how he planned to motivate his team. “My team is already motivated,” he said, adding that the league format itself brings out competitive energy. When questioned about whether he intended to bring new talent into the ISPL, Salman responded with a self-referential quip: “Like I brought to the film industry… I hope something like that doesn’t happen.” The comment triggered a round of laughter among those present.
The auction saw strong participation from the entertainment and sports world. Hrithik Roshan and Ajay Devgn attended the event in coordinated grey and black ensembles, while Akshay Kumar arrived in a sharp black suit and later shared the stage with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Saif Ali Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Arpita Khan Sharma were also seen interacting with league representatives during the programme.
The ISPL, which blends street cricket’s fast-paced style with franchise-based competition, has attracted significant celebrity investment and is positioning itself as a new commercial property in India’s sporting calendar. With team announcements and player line-ups expected soon, organisers say the 2025 season will look to expand the league’s visibility across major cities.
Further details on match schedules and venues are likely to be released in the coming weeks.
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