Cricketer Agni Dev Chopra, son of acclaimed filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra and film critic Anupama Chopra, has dismissed reports of his registration for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 player auction, labelling them “fake and misleading.” However, his name continues to appear on the Pakistan Cricket Board’s official players registration list available on its website.
In an Instagram Story posted late on February 7, the 27-year-old US citizen and Major League Cricket (MLC) player with MI New York stated, “Fake and misleading reports are being circulated in my name regarding a tournament. I would like to clarify that I have not enrolled for the PSL. I remain fully focused on my cricket journey in the USA and my long-term career goals. I request everyone not to fall prey to misinformation.”
His mother Anupama Chopra then posted a screenshot of the message on X.
The clarification came after screenshots of the PCB’s public PSL 2026 registration list went viral, showing Agni Dev Chopra listed at serial number 822 as a left-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner representing the United States, with a base price of PKR 6,000,000 (approximately ₹19.6 lakh or $21,500 USD).
The list, comprising 879 players, including over 400 foreigners, was released ahead of the auction scheduled for February 11, 2026.
While Agni Chopra has denied enrolling for the PSL auction, he didn’t clarify how his name ended up in the list. PCB is conducting an auction for PSL for the first time this year, as they have moved from the earlier draft system to the auction system like IPL. Foreign player registration for the T-20 league opened last week of January and ended on 3rd February. The auction is scheduled on 11 February.
Players or their agents had to register for the auction, PCB is not supposed to list players without their consent. Unauthorised or erroneous inclusions in the list are unlikely. Therefore, the question remains, how Agni Chopra was listed by PCB for PSL auction if he or his agent didn’t register for it.
If he suggests that PCB listed him without his knowledge, that is a very serious allegation, and therefore, he should make it clear. In fact, PCB may be liable for legal action if they are listing cricketers for auction without their consent.
While Agni Chopra’s denial has been reported by major outlets in India, the Pakistan Cricket Board has not made any comment on it.
It is being speculated that Agni Chopra had registered for PSL auction, but he backtracked after seeing his parents targeted in Indian social media over it.
Agni, born in Detroit, Michigan, and holding US citizenship, has built his recent career in the American cricket ecosystem after transitioning from Indian domestic cricket. He started his cricket career with Mizoram cricket team, where he achieved notable first-class records in Ranji Trophy. But after BCCI banned non-Indian passport holders from domestic cricket, he moved to the USA and qualified as a domestic player in the Major League Cricket (MLC) due to his American citizenship. He was picked by MI New York for $50,000 last year.
As a non-Indian passport holder, he is exempt from BCCI restrictions on Indian players from participating in overseas leagues, allowing him to play in American or Pakistani league.
The incident has sparked online debate, with some fans urging Agni to seek clarification or legal recourse if the inclusion was unauthorized, while others await any update from the PCB before the auction. As of now, the PCB has not issued a correction or comment on this specific case.
Pakistan Super League will begin on 26 March with 8 teams, as 2 new teams have been added this year.
