The Bengal T20 League entered a new phase on Saturday as franchises spent heavily in the tournament’s first-ever Men’s Player Auction, with India all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed and wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel emerging as the biggest buys ahead of the upcoming season.
Shahbaz Ahmed became the most expensive player at the auction after Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers used the Right To Match (RTM) card to retain him for INR 12.20 lakh. Abishek Porel followed closely behind, with Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers securing the 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter for INR 10.40 lakh after competitive bidding.
The auction, held in Kolkata on May 10, saw all eight franchises aggressively build their squads with a combined purse of INR 4.08 crore. Teams focused on assembling balanced combinations featuring established domestic cricketers, experienced campaigners, and promising young talent.
India pacer Mukesh Kumar was retained by Sobisco Smashers Malda for INR 9.60 lakh through 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 INR 8 lakh, 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 & Kueens, Rashmi Medinipur Wizards, Servotech Siliguri Strikers, Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers, and Sobisco Smashers Malda in the league.
Players were 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 significant interest before being signed by Novus Purulia Royals for INR 5.20 lakh.
Speaking after the auction, CAB President and former India captain Sourav Ganguly said the introduction of the auction system had added a new competitive dimension to the tournament.
“At this stage we are at the auction, and I think it has been very exciting. It’s been introduced this year, and I think all of the team owners and the coaches enjoyed it because it allows them to get whichever player they want,” Ganguly said.
“It was a good tournament last year, and it will be very competitive. Like every other tournament, it gets better and better with time, and hopefully the players will get adjusted, the players will play good cricket, and the tournament will be beneficial for them.”
India 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 fitness clearance.
The Bengal T20 League continues to position itself as a major platform for showcasing Bengal’s cricketing depth, combining experienced domestic performers with the next generation of talent in a franchise-based format.
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