The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) auction saw a flurry of excitement as Chattogram Royals and Rangpur Riders secured top domestic talents in high-profile deals, while veteran stars Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim went unsold.
Naeem Sheikh made headlines as the very first player picked in the auction. Chattogram Royals acquired him for a staggering Tk 11 million, significantly above his base price of Tk 5 million. Listed in Category A, Naeem attracted immediate attention from multiple franchises. Sylhet Titans expressed early interest, followed by bids from Noakhali Express, Rangpur Riders, and finally Chattogram Royals, who outbid their competitors to secure the promising all-rounder.
In the same auction, Rangpur Riders successfully signed Liton Das for Tk 7.5 million. Liton’s name was called in the second round, triggering a competitive bidding battle with Sylhet Titans. Ultimately, Rangpur Riders prevailed, adding one of Bangladesh’s most dynamic batsmen to their squad.
| Player | Category | Base Price (Tk) | Winning Team | Winning Bid (Tk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naeem Sheikh | A | 5,000,000 | Chattogram Royals | 11,000,000 |
| Liton Das | A | 5,000,000 | Rangpur Riders | 7,500,000 |
While the auction celebrated emerging talent, it was notable that two of Bangladesh’s most experienced cricketers, Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, went unsold. Their names were announced at the beginning of Category B, but no franchise opted to sign either player, sparking discussions among fans and analysts about team strategies and the evolving BPL landscape.
The early rounds of the BPL auction highlighted the growing competition for domestic stars, with franchises willing to invest heavily in younger players who can deliver match-winning performances. Analysts suggest that teams are increasingly prioritising all-rounders and explosive batsmen, which may explain the high bids for Naeem Sheikh and Liton Das.
As the auction progresses, attention will turn to the remaining categories and international recruits, with fans eager to see how teams balance experience and potential in their final squads. The outcomes from the first round have already set the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive BPL season.