Shahbaz Ahmed, Abishek Porel, and Mukesh Kumar were top picks in the Bengal T20 League’s first Men’s Player Auction, where all eight franchises secured players for the upcoming season. Teams strategically built their squads through bidding, with star Akash Deep still available due to rehabilitation. The auction marked a new era for Bengal cricket, with franchises aggressively bidding for players across categories.
Franchises, armed with a total purse of ₹4.08 crore, competed to secure Bengal’s domestic talents and emerging prospects. Shahbaz Ahmed stood out as the highest pick, retained by Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers for ₹12.20 lakh. Marquee players like Abhishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep garnered significant interest as teams finalized their lineups. Novus Purulia Royals joined as the newest franchise in the league.
The Men’s Auction featured players in categories A+, A, B, U19, and U16, emphasizing the league’s focus on a robust cricketing ecosystem in Bengal. Shahbaz Ahmed, retained for ₹12.20 lakh, was the top pick from the A+ category. The league’s inclusion of the U16 category highlights its commitment to nurturing young cricketing talent in Bengal. CAB President Sourav Ganguly praised the auction, foreseeing a competitive and beneficial tournament for players.
