The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) auction returned in dramatic fashion on Sunday, with the opening rounds marked by fierce competition for top local talent.
In the day’s first major bidding war, Mohammad Naim was snapped up by Chattogram Royals for BDT 1.10 crore, emerging as the highest-priced player in the early sessions.
The auction began at a Dhaka hotel, where BPL chairman Aminul Islam welcomed franchises and emphasized the need for a more transparent tournament. He also reiterated the board’s long-standing commitment to launching a women’s BPL, acknowledging past delays while urging teams to build stronger regional connections and engage fans across all three venues.
The excitement intensified once the player bidding commenced. A lottery decided whether Naim or Liton Das would appear first, with Naim’s name drawn, prompting immediate and aggressive bidding from Sylhet, Rangpur, and Noakhali. Ultimately, Chattogram Royals outbid all competitors, securing the left-handed opener for Tk 1.10 crore.
Shortly afterward, Rangpur Riders acquired Liton Das for Tk 75 lakh.
Auctioneer Arman Rafi Nizam presided over the session featuring local players, where the early tussles set a competitive tone for the remainder of the event.
However, controversy swirled offstage as nine cricketers excluded from the auction—due to links to ongoing fixing-related inquiries—remained a key talking point. Earlier in the afternoon, the High Court dismissed a writ petition filed by several of the players seeking reinstatement.
Though none of the players have been formally charged, the BCB’s integrity unit advised barring them from the auction as a precautionary measure. The sidelined cricketers expressed frustration, calling the decision unfair and damaging to their reputation.
Meanwhile, players already signed through direct contracts shared their excitement. Test captain Najmul Hossain, earlier picked by the Rajshahi Warriors, said he was looking forward to the auction and praised the preparation by the franchises, acknowledging the intensity surrounding the event.
