If all proceeds according to plan, the twelfth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is scheduled to commence on 26 December 2026. The eagerly anticipated player auction was held on Sunday, generating significant excitement among franchises, players, and fans alike.
This year’s auction attracted attention both for its high-profile signings and for the emergence of promising new talent. Among domestic players, Naim Sheikh commanded the spotlight. Despite being inconsistent in national team selections, his prolific form in the previous BPL season earned him a lucrative contract. Chattogram Royals secured Sheikh for BDT 1.10 crore, a significant leap from his base price of BDT 50 lakh, recognising his position as the leading run-scorer last season.
Foreign players were also in the limelight, with former Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka emerging as the most expensive overseas signing. Dhaka Capitals secured his services for USD 55,000 (approximately BDT 67 lakh), reinforcing their strategy of strengthening their all-rounder options. Meanwhile, other top-tier Sri Lankan players, including Angelo Mathews and Niroshan Dickwella, were acquired at their base prices of USD 35,000 by Chattogram Royals and Sylhet Titans, respectively.
Among uncapped players, Habibur Rahman Sohan was the standout performer. Following a remarkable display for Bangladesh ‘A’ in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, he was snapped up by Noakhali Express for BDT 50 lakh, surpassing his initial base price of BDT 18 lakh. His acquisition is widely viewed as an investment in future national team prospects.
This season marks a notable change in BPL history, as it is the first auction since the inaugural 2012 season. In previous editions, franchises formed their squads via a draft system rather than an open auction, making this year’s event particularly significant in shaping team strategies and market values.
A total of six franchises will compete for the prestigious title in 2026:
| Franchise | Key Domestic Signing | Key Overseas Signing | Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattogram Royals | Naim Sheikh | Angelo Mathews | BDT 1.10 crore / USD 35,000 |
| Dhaka Capitals | — | Dasun Shanaka | USD 55,000 |
| Noakhali Express | Habibur Rahman Sohan | — | BDT 50 lakh |
| Sylhet Titans | — | Niroshan Dickwella | USD 35,000 |
| Rangpur Riders | — | — | — |
| Rajshahi Warriors | — | — | — |
With the auction concluded, attention now turns to team preparations, fitness camps, and strategy planning ahead of the tournament’s launch. Analysts predict a highly competitive season, blending star power, emerging talent, and strategic acumen, promising cricket enthusiasts across Bangladesh a thrilling spectacle.