The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) held its first player auction since 2012 at a city hotel on Sunday, replacing the draft system used in previous seasons. Mohammad Naim became the only player to cross BDT 1 crore (around USD 88,000), joining Chittagong Royals.
Rangpur Riders bought Towhid Hridoy and Litton Das for USD 73,600 and USD 56,000 respectively, making them the second and third most expensive players. Veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah went unsold initially, but Mahmudullah later joined Rangpur Riders and Mushfiqur joined Rajshahi Warriors at their base prices of BDT 35 lakh (USD 28,000).
Among uncapped players, Habibur Rahman Sohan was picked by Noakhali Express for USD 40,000 after impressive performances in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. Mohammad Mithun’s price rose from BDT 22 lakh to 52 lakh, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain from 18 lakh to 44 lakh, and SM Meherob Hasan fetched 39 lakh.
Overseas players saw fewer bids, with Dasun Shanaka becoming the most expensive foreign player at USD 55,000, bought by Dhaka Capitals. Some confusion occurred due to auction rules limiting the number of Grade A and B players per team. This allowed Noakhali Express to pick Mahidul Islam and Jaker Ali at their base price, to the delight of head coach Khaled Mahmud.
Rangpur Riders team director Shanian Taneem said Mahmudullah was always part of their plans despite initial bidding restrictions.
The BPL 2025-26 will run from December 26 to January 23 with six teams: Dhaka Capitals, Rangpur Riders, Rajshahi Warriors, Noakhali Express, Sylhet Titans, and Chittagong Royals.