Bengal T20 League Achieves Record Player Auction Success

The Bengal T20 League has achieved a milestone with its largest player auction, where franchises invested over Rs 4.5 crore. With more than 250 players signed, the event showcased intense competition and a commitment to nurturing young talent. Notable signings included Shahbaz Ahmed and Mita Paul, reflecting the growing depth in both men's and women's cricket in Bengal. The league aims to create a competitive platform for established players while investing in future stars. Discover the highlights and top picks from this record-breaking auction.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 02:17 IST

Record-Breaking Player Auction in Bengal T20 League

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 11: The Bengal T20 League has successfully concluded its largest player auction to date, with franchises investing over Rs 4.5 crore for both Men's and Women's teams.

In total, more than 250 players secured contracts from a pool of over 1000 cricketers ahead of the 2026 season, as reported in an official release.

The auction featured fierce bidding, strategic use of the Right to Match (RTM) option, and significant investments in the emerging talent pool of Bengal, including U19 and U15 players.

Across both auctions, franchises made 136 signings for the Men's teams and 128 for the Women's teams.

Each Men's franchise built a squad of 17 players, ensuring the inclusion of at least two U19 players, while Women's teams finalized 16-player squads with a minimum of two U15 players, emphasizing the league's commitment to grassroots development.

The inaugural Men's Auction in Bengal T20 League history saw several high-value signings, with IPL and India all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed being the most expensive player at Rs 12.20 lakh, retained by Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers through RTM. Numerous players surpassed the Rs 8 lakh threshold as franchises vied for Bengal's top domestic talents, IPL players, and promising newcomers.

The Women's Auction also demonstrated strong financial backing, with over 10 players exceeding the Rs 2 lakh mark, and all players in the A+ category were successfully acquired, ensuring no unsold players in that tier.

This trend highlights the increasing competitiveness and depth of women's cricket in Bengal. Mita Paul was the highest-valued player in the Women's Auction at Rs 3 lakh, retained by Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers through RTM. Additionally, 13-year-old Ariktha Manna stood out as a young talent, being picked for Rs 1.55 lakh by Rashmi Medinipur Wizards, having a base price of Rs 0.30 lakh. Franchises collectively invested nearly Rs 88 lakh in the Women's Auction alone.

Mr. Bablu Kolay, Honorary Secretary of the Cricket Association of Bengal, stated, “The enthusiasm and participation seen during both auction days reflect the growing excitement surrounding the Bengal T20 League and the opportunities it continues to create for players throughout Bengal. The league is committed to providing a competitive platform for established cricketers while also nurturing the next generation of talent across various age groups.”

Men's Auction – Top 10 Highest Picks

Shahbaz Ahmed – Rs 12.20 lakh (RTM) – Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers

Abishek Porel – Rs 10.40 lakh – Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers

Mukesh Kumar – Rs 9.60 lakh (RTM) – Sobisco Smashers Malda

Sudip Kumar Gharami – Rs 9.40 lakh – Novus Purulia Royals

Yuvraj Deepak Keswani – Rs 8.60 lakh – Novus Purulia Royals

Saksham Chaudhary – Rs 8.40 lakh – Murshidabad Kings

Writtick Chatterjee – Rs 8.20 lakh – Adamas Howrah Warriors

Ravi Kumar (U19) – Rs 7.80 lakh – Novus Purulia Royals

Rohit (U16) – Rs 5.20 lakh – Novus Purulia Royals

Subham Sarkar – Rs 4.8 lakh – Rashmi Medinipur Wizards

The Men's Auction also highlighted a strong interest in youth categories, with Ravi Kumar becoming the highest-paid U19 player at Rs 7.80 lakh, while Rohit was the top U16 signing at Rs 5.20 lakh.

Women's Auction – Top 10 Highest Picks

Mita Paul – Rs 3 lakh (RTM) – Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers

Dhara Gujjar – Rs 2.85 lakh – Novus Purulia Royals

Tanushree Sarkar – Rs 2.35 lakh (RTM) – Murshidabad Kueens

Priyanka Bala – Rs 2.25 lakh (RTM) – Servotech Siliguri Strikers

Prativa Rana – Rs 2.15 lakh (RTM) – Murshidabad Kueens

Hrishita Basu – Rs 2.10 lakh – Rashmi Medinipur Wizards

Piyali Ghosh – Rs 2.10 lakh (RTM) – Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers

Sujata Dey – Rs 2.05 lakh – Adamas Howrah Warriors

Prativa Mandi (U19) – Rs 2.05 lakh – Sobisco Smashers Malda

Trishita Sarkar – Rs 2.05 lakh – Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers

Biggest U15 & Emerging Talent Picks

Ariktha Manna (13 years, U15) – Rs 1.55 lakh – Rashmi Medinipur Wizards

Debasmita Khalsa (14 years, U15) – Rs 0.65 lakh – Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers

Manushri Rajak (14 years, U15) – Rs 0.50 lakh – Rashmi Medinipur Wizards

Sneha Mahato (14 years, U15) – Rs 0.48 lakh – Servotech Siliguri Strikers

Saikh Athiana (14 years, U15) – Rs 0.40 lakh – Sobisco Smashers Malda

Tanisha Das (14 years, U15) – Rs 0.34 lakh – Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers

Protistha Dutta (14 years, U15) – Rs 0.32 lakh – Adamas Howrah Warriors

Piyali Roy (13 years, U15) – Rs 0.30 lakh – Novus Purulia Royals

The auctions also marked the ongoing expansion of the Bengal T20 League ecosystem, with Novus Purulia Royals joining other franchises like Adamas Howrah Warriors, Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers, Murshidabad Kueens, Rashmi Medinipur Wizards, Servotech Siliguri Strikers, Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers, and Sobisco Smashers Malda for the upcoming season.

Franchise owners, coaches, and team representatives expressed optimism about the squads formed and the league's growing influence on cricket development throughout Bengal.