India all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed, currently with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2026, emerged as the costliest player on the opening day of the Bengal Pro T20 League auction after being retained by Shrachi Rarh Tigers through the Right To Match card for Rs. 12.20 lakh in Kolkata on Sunday.
The auction, being held for the first time since the league’s inception, witnessed aggressive bidding from franchises ahead of the tournament’s third season, scheduled to begin in June.
Among other major buys, wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel was snapped by Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers for Rs. 10.40 lakh, while India pacer Mukesh Kumar was retained by Sobisco Smashers Malda for Rs. 9.60 lakh.
Bengal captain Sudip Kumar Gharami and Yuvraj Deepak Keswani joined Novus Purulia Royals for Rs. 9.40 lakh and Rs. 8.60 lakh respectively.
Teenage prospect Rohit also attracted attention after earning a Rs. 5.20 lakh deal with Novus Purulia Royals.
Top 10 picks from the Bengal T20 League Men’s Auction:
Shahbaz Ahmed (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
Speaking on the sidelines of the auction, Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly said the league was steadily becoming an important platform for Bengal cricketers to progress to higher levels.
“That’s how the progress happens, isn’t it? You start at the base level, then go to the next and ultimately play for the country and the franchise. So, this platform is created for that,” Ganguly said.
The former India captain also welcomed the introduction of the auction system, saying it had added a new dimension to the competition.
The women’s auction will take place on Monday.
