Naim, Hridoy, Litton Fetch Big Money at BPL Auction

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) witnessed significant spending in its first auction since the league's inaugural 2012 edition, with Mohammad Naim emerging as the most expensive player of the day. The left-handed opener, who topped the run charts in the previous season with 511 runs at a strike rate of 143.94, was the first player to go under the hammer and the only one to cross the BDT 1 crore mark (approximately USD 88,000). He was signed by the Chittagong Royals.

Towhid Hridoy and Litton Das also commanded sizable bids, securing USD 73,600 and USD 56,000 respectively, both acquired by the Rangpur Riders.

Veteran stars Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, listed in category B, surprisingly attracted no initial bids. However, following a request from BCB director and Rangpur Riders' chief executive Ishtiaque Sadeque, the auctioneer relisted both players later in the day. Mahmudullah was eventually picked up by Rangpur, while Rajshahi Warriors secured Mushfiqur—each at their base price of BDT 35 lakh (approximately USD 28,000).

Among overseas players, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka became the highest-paid signing, joining the Dhaka Capitals for USD 55,000. Angelo Mathews and Niroshan Dickwella were sold at their category A base price of USD 35,000, going to Chittagong Royals and Sylhet Titans respectively.

Uncapped Bangladeshi talent also drew interest, with Habibur Rahman Sohan—who impressed recently in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament—landing a USD 40,000 contract with Noakhali Express.

Several national team players, including Nurul Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, were in attendance at team tables during the bidding process.

The upcoming BPL season will feature six franchises: Dhaka Capitals, Rangpur Riders, Rajshahi Warriors, Noakhali Express, Sylhet Titans, and Chittagong Royals. The tournament is expected to begin on December 26.