Bengal T20 League's Inaugural Men's Player Auction Concludes Successfully

The Bengal T20 League has successfully concluded its first Men's Player Auction, marking a significant milestone for cricket in the region. With all eight franchises actively participating, key players like Shahbaz Ahmed and Abishek Porel were among the top picks. The auction not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the teams but also introduced Novus Purulia Royals as a new franchise. This event emphasizes the league's commitment to nurturing young talent and enhancing the cricketing ecosystem in Bengal. Sourav Ganguly, CAB President, shared his excitement about the auction, indicating a bright future for the tournament. Read on to explore the detailed highlights and player selections.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 00:16 IST

Successful Conclusion of the Men's Player Auction

The Bengal T20 League has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of its inaugural Men's Player Auction. All eight franchises strategically assembled their teams through competitive bidding in preparation for the upcoming season, set to commence next month.

Key Players and Franchise Developments

During the auction, teams focused on acquiring top talent, with notable players like Shahbaz Ahmed (Rs 12.2 Lakh), Abishek Porel (Rs 10.40 Lakh), Mukesh Kumar (Rs 9.60 Lakh), and Akash Deep (Rs 3 Lakh) being among the highlights, as reported in a press release. The auction marked a new era for Bengal cricket, showcasing aggressive bidding strategies and targeted investments.

Marquee Players and New Franchise Introduction

With a total budget of Rs 4.08 crore, franchises made significant investments to secure Bengal's top domestic players and promising newcomers. Shahbaz Ahmed was the standout pick, retained by Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers for Rs 12.20 lakh via the RTM option. Other marquee players included Abhishek Porel (Rs 10.40 Lakh - Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers), Mukesh Kumar (Rs 9.60 Lakh - Sobisco Smashers Malda), and Akash Deep (Rs 3 Lakh - Servotech Siliguri Strikers). Additionally, Novus Purulia Royals joined the league as the latest franchise, expanding the competition alongside existing teams.

Auction Highlights and Notable Selections

The Men's Auction featured players categorized into five groups: A+, A, B, U19, and U16, emphasizing the league's commitment to fostering a robust cricketing environment in Bengal. Shahbaz Ahmed was the top selection from the A+ category, retained by Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers for Rs 12.20 lakh. Franchises engaged in intense bidding to create a balanced mix of batters, bowlers, all-rounders, and emerging talents.

Top 10 Picks from the Auction

Top 10 picks from the Bengal T20 League Men's Auction:

Shahbaz Ahmad (31 years) - Rs 12.20L (RTM) - Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers
Abishek Porel (23 years) - Rs 10.40L - Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers
Mukesh Kumar (32 years) - Rs 9.60L (RTM) - Sobisco Smashers Malda
Sudip Kumar Gharami (27 years) - Rs 9.40L - Novus Purulia Royals
Yuvraj Deepak Keswani (25 years) - Rs 8.60 L - Novus Purulia Royals
Saksham Chaudhary (26 years) - Rs 8.40 L - Murshidabad Kings
Writtick Chatterjee (33 years) - Rs 8.20L - Adamas Howrah Warriors
Sayan Ghosh (33 years) - Rs 8L (RTM) - Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers
Karan Lal (25 years) - Rs 8L - Servotech Siliguri Strikers
Easwaran Abhimanyu (30 years) - Rs 8 L - Sobisco Smashers Malda
Ravi Kumar (22 years) - Rs 7.80 L - Novus Purulia Royals
Rohit (16 years) - Rs 5.20 L - Novus Purulia Royals

Focus on Developing Young Talent

The introduction of the U16 category highlights the league's dedication to discovering and nurturing the next generation of cricketing talent in Bengal.

Sourav Ganguly's Insights on the Auction

CAB President and former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his excitement about the inaugural auction, stating, "This auction has been thrilling. It allows team owners and coaches to select their desired players. The tournament was competitive last year, and it will continue to improve. I hope players adapt well, perform excellently, and benefit from this tournament, which is designed for cricket across India, not just Bengal."