The much-anticipated player auction for the Panjim Gymkhana Members League (PGML) Season 5 concluded on Sunday at the Panjim Gymkhana’s Raythata Hall, Campal, setting the stage for another thrilling edition of Goa’s most popular members’ cricket league. The event drew enthusiastic participation from all franchise owners, with bidding battles that reflected both strategic acumen and fierce passion for the sport.
This season will see eight franchises compete for glory, including six returning teams—Baale Tigers, Manas Mavericks, Dempo Challengers, RC Goa, Priority Titans, and DNM Avengers—joined by two debutants, Sherwin Shaw Falcons and Sun Estate Warriors. The excitement peaked when Harshad Gadekar became the most expensive player in PGML history, going to Sun Estate Warriors for a record 85 lakh points. Close on his heels, speedster Lakshay Garg was snapped up by Baale Tigers for 82 lakh points. All-rounders Mukhtar Kadri and Robin D’Souza also commanded strong interest, each fetching 79 lakh points for DNM Avengers and Priority Titans respectively, while Avishkar Mone joined Manas Mavericks for 67 lakh points to further bolster their squad.
The event also featured the grand unveiling of team jerseys, adding to the electric atmosphere as players and owners celebrated the beginning of what promises to be a fiercely competitive and entertaining season. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Manoj Caculo, President of Panjim Gymkhana, commended the growing stature of the league. He praised the vision of league chairman Suresh Mahadevan and the commitment of all teams in building a strong cricketing community. “It is a matter of great pride to stand before you as we enter the fifth season of PGML. Under the leadership of Suresh Mahadevan, the league has seen four successful editions, and this fifth promises to be a true carnival of cricket,” he said.
The champions of PGML Season 5 will receive a cash prize of ₹3 lakh, while the runners-up will take home ₹2 lakh. Individual awards worth ₹15,000 each will be presented for Best Player, Best Batsman, Best Bowler, and Best Fielder. Every match will feature a ₹5,000 Man of the Match award, with bowlers earning an additional ₹10,000 bonus for taking four or more wickets in an innings.
Panjim Gymkhana Secretary Mr. Rajesh Khaunte expressed gratitude to the teams and the community for their unwavering enthusiasm, emphasizing that PGML represents more than competition—it embodies camaraderie, sportsmanship, and the joy of cricket.
Adding a proud chapter to this season’s narrative, eight promising cricketers from the Panjim Gymkhana Cricket Academy, coached by Sandeep Siganapurkar, were drafted across teams—offering them invaluable exposure to competitive cricket. Among them, 15-year-old Arya Amitkumar Dublay created history by becoming the only female cricketer in PGML 5.0 after being picked by RC Goa. Her inclusion marks a significant milestone, celebrating inclusivity and inspiring young athletes across Goa.
With over 140 registered players and growing fan engagement, PGML Season 5 continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier sporting event on Goa’s calendar, blending passion, professionalism, and the timeless love of the game.
