APL Season 4 To feature Seven Teams, To Begin On August 8
The fourth season of the Andhra Premier League (APL) will commence on August 8 with seven franchises, an increase from six last year, and revamped player categories: Reports
VISAKHAPATNAM: The fourth season of the Andhra Premier League (APL) will commence on August 8 with seven franchises, an increase from six last year, and revamped player categories.
At a press conference held at the VDCA International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, ACA Governing Council chairman Venkata Sujay Krishna Ranga Rao said the league was being modelled on the IPL format to boost visibility and impact. He described APL-4 as a “wonderful opportunity” for rural talent.
Franchise fees have increased from ₹75 lakh to ₹2.5 crore. The player pool has also grown—from 430 to 520. Players are now divided into four tiers: 9 marquee players (India/ IPL), 21 Grade A, 112 Grade B, and 378 Grade C.
All franchises have completed marquee player signings ahead of the main auction on August 14. Retentions include G. Hanuma Vihari (Amaravati Avengers), Ashwin Hebbar (Vijayawada Sunshines), Sheikh Rasheed (Royals of Rayalaseema), Ricky Boi (Simhadri Vizag Lions), M. Bharat (Kakinada Kings), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (Bheemavaram Blasters).
Each team must include at least two U-19 players and U-16 state-level players. The season will feature 25 matches—21 league and four playoffs—all in Visakhapatnam.
Andhra Cricket Association secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Sana Satish Babu said matches would be held next year in Mangalagiri, Vizag, and Kadapa.