Denish Das Becomes Top Purchase in Assam Premier League Auction

Denish Das Tops the APL Auction

In a thrilling bidding session held in Guwahati on Sunday, Denish Das was acquired by Barpeta Braves for a staggering Rs 12.60 lakh, making him the most expensive player in the marquee round of the Assam Premier League (APL) Player Auction.

Following closely, Sumit Ghadigaonkar was signed by Charaideo Sunrisers for Rs 12.20 lakh, while seasoned Assam batter Sibsankar Roy was picked up by Barak Legends for Rs 12 lakh. The top five marquee purchases were rounded out by Ayushman Malakar and Swarupam Purkayastha, both of whom were secured by Tezpur Titans and Jorhat Stallions for Rs 11.80 lakh each.

This marquee player round showcased intense competition among franchises as they aimed to recruit some of Assam's top domestic cricket talents for the upcoming season.

Additional Noteworthy Acquisitions

Other significant signings from the marquee player pool included Abdul Ajij Kuraishi, who was acquired by Barak Legends for Rs 8.40 lakh, and Bhargab Lakhar for Rs 5.20 lakh. Barpeta Braves also secured Saurav Dihingia for Rs 7.80 lakh, while Dibrugarh Warriors added Saahil Jain for Rs 7.20 lakh and Jitumoni Kalita for Rs 6.20 lakh.

Optimism for the Inaugural Season

With the marquee player round successfully completed, the Assam Premier League Player Auction is set to continue as franchises aim to create well-rounded teams from the broader player pool. Taranga Gogoi, President of the Assam Cricket Association, expressed optimism that fans will embrace the tournament when it kicks off on August 1, marking a significant milestone for cricket in Assam.

Prior to the auction, Gogoi remarked, "The auction on July 19 signifies the moment this league becomes a reality for our players. Cricketers from every district in Assam have submitted their names, and soon they will learn which of the eight teams they will represent. We hope that when the first match occurs on August 1, every fan in the state will feel a sense of ownership over this league. Assam has long awaited a platform of its own, and we aim to make the inaugural season unforgettable."

The batting lineup will be bolstered by Saahil Jain, Pradyun Saikia, and Saurav Mousum Dihingia, while Abdul Ajij Kuraishi, Akash Sengupta, and Ayushman Malakar will provide all-round capabilities. Wicketkeeping options include Sumit Ghadigaonkar, Rohit Sen, and Ruhinandan Pegu. All 20 players have participated in BCCI tournaments for Assam and are anticipated to attract significant bids as the eight franchises finalize their squads for the inaugural season starting August 1.