The Bengal T20 League entered a new phase on Saturday as franchises spent big in the tournament’s first-ever men’s player auction, with India all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed and batsman Abishek Porel emerging as the biggest buys ahead of the upcoming season.
Shahbaz Ahmed became the most expensive player in the auction after Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers used the Right To Match (RTM) card to retain him for INR 12.20 lakh. Closely followed by Abishek Porel, Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers secured the 23-year-old wicket-keeper batsman for INR 10.40 lakh after competitive bidding.
Held in Kolkata on May 10, the auction saw all eight franchises aggressively building their units with a combined purse of INR 4.08 crore. The teams aimed to field balanced combinations featuring established domestic cricketers, seasoned batsmen and promising young talent.
India pacer Mukesh Kumar was retained by Sobisco Smashers Malda for INR 9.60 lakh via RTM, while Novus Purulia Royals made an immediate impact in their debut auction by signing Sudip Kumar Gharami for INR 9.40 lakh and Ravi Kumar for INR 7.80 lakh.
Murshidabad Kings secured Saksham Chaudhary for INR 8.40 lakh while veteran all-rounder Writtick Chatterjee joined Adamas Howrah Warriors for INR 8.20 lakh. Servotech Siliguri Strikers signed Karan Lal for 8 lakhs and Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran was picked up by Sobisco Smashers Malda for the same amount.
The auction also marked the official entry of Novus Purulia Royals into the competition. They joined Adamas Howrah Warriors, Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers, Murshidabad Kings & Queens, Rashmi Medinipur Wizards, Servotech Siliguri Strikers, Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers and Sobisco Smashers Malda in the league.
The players have been divided into five categories – A+, A, B, U19 and U16 – reflecting the league’s emphasis on creating a pathway for both established and emerging cricketers in Bengal. The inclusion of the U16 category remained one of the standout features of the auction, reinforcing the tournament’s long-term focus on talent development.
One of the youngest players in the auction, 16-year-old Rohit attracted considerable interest before being signed by Novus Purulia Royals for INR 5.20 lakh.
CAB president and former India captain Sourav Ganguly said after the auction that the introduction of the auction system has added a new competitive dimension to the tournament.
“We’re in the auction at this stage and I think it’s been very exciting. It was introduced this year and I think all the team owners and coaches have enjoyed it because it allows them to get the player they want,” Ganguly said.
“It was a good tournament last year and it will be very competitive. Like any other tournament it gets better and better with time and hopefully the players will adapt, play good cricket and benefit from the tournament.”
Indian pacer Akash Deep, who was retained by Servotech Siliguri Strikers for INR 3 lakh through RTM, is currently undergoing rehabilitation and will participate subject to eligibility clearance.
Bengal T20 League continues to position itself as the premier platform to showcase Bengal’s cricketing depth, combining experienced home-grown performers with the next generation of talent in a franchise-based format.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
May 11, 2026 12:25 PM IST
