BPL Auction: Mohammad Naim becomes most expensive player
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) player auction made a dramatic comeback on Sunday, November 30, marking its first appearance since the league’s debut edition in 2012. After nine seasons of following a draft system, the auction returned with major surprises, intense bidding battles, and unexpected bargains for franchises. The upcoming BPL season will feature six teams and will run from December 26 to January 23. So let’s have a look at Mohammad Naim becomes most expensive player.
Naim Becomes Only Player to Cross BDT 1 Crore Mark
Mohammad Naim emerged as the biggest headline from the event, becoming the only player to fetch more than BDT 1 crore (approx. USD 88,000). Chittagong Royals secured the left-handed batter after a competitive round of bidding.
Interestingly, the auction began an hour late as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) awaited High Court clearance. Several players had filed writ petitions after being excluded from the auction due to fixing-related accusations.
Hridoy and Litton Among Top Buys; Veterans Get No Early Bids
Rangpur Riders made two of the costliest signings of the day, purchasing Towhid Hridoy for USD 73,600 and Litton Das for USD 56,000. However, experienced stars Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, both listed in Category B, surprisingly went without initial bids despite their seniority.
On the request of Rangpur Riders CEO and BCB director Ishtiaque Sadeque, both players were reintroduced later. Mahmudullah went to Rangpur Riders, while Rajshahi Warriors picked up Mushfiqur—both at their base price of BDT 35 lakh (around USD 28,000).
Uncapped Talents Spark Bidding Wars
Several uncapped players stole the spotlight:
- Habibur Rahman Sohan was signed by Noakhali Express for USD 40,000 following his impressive Asia Cup Rising Stars performance.
- Mohammad Mithun triggered a fierce bidding contest, rising from Tk 22 lakh to Tk 52 lakh.
- Young all-rounder Abdul Gaffar Saqlain saw his price climb from Tk 18 lakh to Tk 44 lakh.
- SM Meherob Hasan was also a notable pickup at Tk 39 lakh.
Also read: Why did Virat Kohli rejects BCCI domestic cricket demand?
Dasun Shanaka Becomes Most Expensive Overseas Signing
Despite several international players remaining unsold, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka attracted attention. Dhaka Capitals secured him for USD 55,000, making him the most expensive overseas cricketer in the auction.
Noakhali Express Gain Advantage Amid Rules Confusion
A major talking point of the auction was the confusion regarding category-based selection rules. Each team is required to pick:
- At least two players from Grades A and B combined
- Up to six players from Grades C and D
- Up to three players from Grades E and F
- A minimum of 12 players, with the option to expand to 14 local players
Misinterpretation occurred when Chattogram Royals picked two A/B-category players consecutively. Rajshahi Warriors head coach Hannan Sarkar argued that Chattogram was no longer eligible to bid for players from these categories. The auction room accepted this interpretation, even though the bylaws allowed teams to pick more A/B players.
Because of this confusion, Mahidul Islam and Jaker Ali were snapped up at their base price by Noakhali Express, as other teams refrained from bidding under the mistaken assumption that they had exhausted their A/B-category options.
Franchises React to the Auction Chaos
Noakhali Express head coach Khaled Mahmud expressed delight:
“I am happy to get those two cricketers at base price because I didn’t expect it.”
Rangpur Riders director Shanian Taneem defended Mahmudullah’s initial lack of bids:
“It’s not accurate to say Mahmudullah went unsold. Every team had limitations. With restrictions on A and B category picks, we had to strategize. But a player of his calibre is always in our plans.”
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