On February 8, 2026, Agni Chopra, son of filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra and film critic Anupama Chopra, publicly denied rumors linking him to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) auction. The 27-year-old cricketer, born in Detroit and currently pursuing his cricket career in the USA, clarified that he has not registered for the PSL despite circulating documents suggesting otherwise. This statement was made to end widespread social media speculation regarding his professional status and future plans in cricket.
The confusion arose when a list purportedly from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appeared on X (formerly Twitter), showing an ‘Agni Dev Chopra’ marked as a USA citizen with a base price of PKR 6,000,000 (about ₹19.6 lakh). Given the sensitive sporting relations between India and Pakistan, this sparked a flurry of attention online. Cricket analyst Anshul Saxena tweeted the discovery, highlighting Agni’s identity as an American cricketer who also played domestically in India for Mizoram in the Ranji Trophy.
“Agni Chopra is son of filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra and film critic Anupama Chopra. He is a USA citizen and has also played cricket in India. He represented Mizoram in Ranji Trophy. Now, his name is registered for the PSL 2026 auction as a USA cricketer with a base price of PKR…”— Anshul Saxena
Reacting to the rumors, Agni took to Instagram Stories to provide a direct response:
“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, reinforced the denial by sharing Agni’s statement on her social media platforms. Further developments revealed that while Agni’s name was initially on the draft auction list, the PCB subsequently issued a revised list excluding him.
pic.twitter.com/azNKHvdmuk— Anupama Chopra (@anupamachopra)
Agni Chopra’s Cricket Journey and American Career Aspirations
Agni Chopra has carved a unique path in cricket, beginning with a groundbreaking domestic record in India. Playing for Mizoram, he made history by scoring centuries in each of his first four first-class matches, an unprecedented feat. Over his Indian domestic career, he accumulated 1,804 runs at an exceptional average of 94.94.
His achievements earned him the prestigious Madhavrao Scindia Award for the 2023–24 season, recognizing him as the highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy Plate League. However, a critical rule adjustment by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2024 introduced restrictions on players holding non-Indian passports, impacting Agni directly due to his American citizenship.
As a result, Agni transitioned his cricket career to the United States. In 2025, he signed with MI New York, a team linked to the Mumbai Indians franchise, for $50,000 in the Major League Cricket (MLC) draft. This move marked his official entry into the American cricket system, where he aims to further develop and achieve long-term success.
Implications of the PSL Rumors and What Lies Ahead
The controversy surrounding Agni Chopra’s name in the PSL auction draft underscores the complex dynamics faced by players navigating international cricket affiliations, especially when citizenship and domestic league rules intersect. Clarifying the misinformation allows Agni to maintain focus on his cricket journey in the USA without distraction.
Moving forward, the cricketing community will watch Agni’s progress within Major League Cricket and his potential contributions to American cricket’s growing profile. His early achievements and strategic shift illuminate the evolving opportunities for cricketers operating across different countries and regulatory frameworks, highlighting the globalized nature of the sport.
Agni Chopra is son of filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra and film critic Anupama Chopra.
He is a USA citizen and has also played cricket in India. He represented Mizoram in Ranji Trophy.
Now, his name is registered for the PSL 2026 auction as a USA cricketer with a base price of PKR… pic.twitter.com/Xxz2oaT1zE
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) February 8, 2026
— Anupama Chopra (@anupamachopra) February 7, 2026
