Bengal T20 League's Inaugural Men's Player Auction Concludes Successfully
Successful Conclusion of the Men's Player Auction
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 10: The Bengal T20 League celebrated a significant achievement with the completion of its inaugural Men's Player Auction, where all eight franchises strategically crafted their teams in preparation for the upcoming season starting next month.
During the auction, teams made calculated decisions to assemble their rosters, with notable players such as 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 top picks, as reported in a press release.
This auction marked a pivotal moment for Bengal cricket, as franchises engaged in competitive bidding, utilizing strategic RTM calls and targeted investments to enhance their squads.
With a total budget of Rs 4.08 crore, teams aggressively pursued some of Bengal's top domestic talents and promising newcomers, with Shahbaz Ahmed being the standout selection, retained by Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers for Rs 12.20 lakh via the RTM option.
Prominent players like Abhishek Porel (Rs 10.40 Lakh - Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers), Mukesh Kumar (Rs 9.60 Lakh - RTM - Sobisco Smashers Malda), and Akash Deep (Rs 3 Lakh - RTM - Servotech Siliguri Strikers) garnered significant attention as teams finalized their core lineups ahead of the new season.
The auction also introduced Novus Purulia Royals as the latest franchise, joining existing teams such as Adamas Howrah Warriors, Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers, Murshidabad Kings & Kueens, Rashmi Medinipur Wizards, Servotech Siliguri Strikers, Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers, and Sobisco Smashers Malda.
Players were categorized into five groups: A+, A, B, U19, and U16, emphasizing the league's commitment to fostering a robust cricketing environment in Bengal by blending seasoned players with emerging talent.
Shahbaz Ahmed was the top selection from the A+ category, retained through RTM by Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers for Rs 12.20 lakh, while franchises engaged in fierce bidding to secure a balanced mix of batters, bowlers, all-rounders, and developmental prospects.
Here are the top 10 selections 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
The introduction of the U16 category highlights the league's dedication to discovering and nurturing the next generation of cricketing talent in Bengal.
Reflecting on the inaugural auction, CAB President and former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly stated, “This auction has been thrilling. It’s a new addition this year, and team owners and coaches have enjoyed the process, allowing them to select their desired players. Last year’s tournament was successful, and I anticipate this one will be even more competitive. Like all tournaments, it improves over time, and I hope players adapt well, perform excellently, and benefit from the tournament. This initiative is designed for cricket across India, not just Bengal.”